Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California

About Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California

Make-A-Wish® grants the heartfelt wishes of children battling critical illnesses. A wish becomes a rallying point for themselves, their families, and friends. Research shows that children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight. In short, a wish delivers hope when it is needed the most. Make-A-Wish was inspired by a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius who wanted to be a law enforcement officer. His wish set in motion a phenomenon that would create an unprecedented kind of charity that grants a wish to children battling critical illnesses every 34 minutes nationwide. Three years after Chris’ wish inspired the formation of the charity, the local chapter which now spans across 28 counties in Northeastern and Central California was founded in 1983. Since then, more than 10,000 wishes have been granted to children in our region. With the help of generous donors, community supporters, and dedicated volunteers, our chapter is on track to grant more than 400 wishes this year or one every 20 hours. The vision of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wish of every eligible child. Wishes are powerful things. They bring hope, strength, and joy in times of need. Those values guide our work every day.