Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Global Link Distribution and its employees in Elkhart are proud to support the Make-A-Wish in northern Indiana. If you’re interested in helping grant a child’s wish, contact the local chapter toll free at 877-872-2756.

By: Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana + Global Link

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, something it can’t do without the support of people, organizations and businesses in our community. Corporate sponsors are essential partners who play a vital role in our success. Companies can help with fundraising, outreach, and events; every contribution matters.

From small mom-and-pop stores to large regional corporations, we can find a way for any business to contribute. Our corporate partners are instrumental in helping fundraise, contribute donations, host events, and build community awareness.

Companies can make direct donations or also host a fundraiser. Local or regional companies may want to sponsor a building project or contribute money towards particular wish experiences. Monetary donations go towards buying supplies and equipment and underwrite construction costs. Business leaders can also recruit their networks to volunteer and donate.

Small businesses make a big impact through fundraising, donating space, materials and silent auction items. Locally-owned stores and restaurants, for example, can donate 10% of sales towards Make-A-Wish or a particular child’s fundraising.

People are the most important resource. No matter a company’s size, they can encourage their staff to participate in our efforts. Employees can pitch in, too. If your team likes to get their hands dirty, they can participate in construction projects, such as building a playhouse or a swing set. Make it easy and give them a day off to volunteer with our organization!

Some of our most dedicated volunteers come from area businesses. Deb Cupp is a committed member of the Make-A-Wish community who works in customer service at Global Link Distribution in Elkhart, a distributor who sells screws, nuts, and bolts to the RV industry.

Cupp became a Make-A-Wish volunteer in 2003 after her daughter Mackenzie was diagnosed with leukemia. Mackenzie wished to meet Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World in Florida, and her immediate family joined her on the adventure. Cupp said the trip was a wonderful experience and helped Mackenzie, who is now a mother of two children, fight on.

Now, as a volunteer, Cupp talks to families and children about their wishes and shares her families’ experiences. She says the organization is always in need of more volunteers.

“There are all kinds of ways we can get people to work, depending on their personality,” she said.

She said they could call families, recruit other volunteers, or raise money if someone is outgoing. If some are handy, they can put their skills to use in building projects like playhouses and swing sets. Every volunteer effort and every dollar helps.

“It’s a different experience in life that I think everybody should have. And I wish more people would do that,” Cupp said. “You don’t have to be retired, you could be a college kid or a high school kid just to make that 10-minute phone call and connect with someone who is going through things in life.”

You can help make more wishes come true for children in northern Indiana. Help restore hope with a wish today! To learn more, visit the website for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.