The Woolson's, Wish-Granting Volunteers
Whoever said the fairy godmother worked alone? Husband and wife wish granting team Paul and Janice Woolson create, inspire, live and work together to make dreams come true. For this married couple, it all began about five years ago when a friend, who was a Make-A-Wish volunteer, showed off her magic wand. Today, they both have their pockets filled with magic wands, fairy dust and all the essential tools of Wish Granting volunteers. They took a moment to talk (together, of course) about their experience as Make-A-Wish volunteers.
Why did you start volunteering for Make-A-Wish?
Janice: I wanted to do something with kids. Kids are gifts. Anytime we can increase a child's experience is very beneficial. They're just precious little things.
Paul: Kids are wonderful. I also like doing something with Jancie and we're good together in this. And the experiences we've had have been wonderful. It's so worthwhile and now we have memories to treasure. It's a kick!
What's it like volunteering as a couple?
Janice: We work well together. We divvy it up so no one does it all. With two people, one of us picks up where the other leaves off.
What is something special you've encountered while volunteering?
Paul: One cool part is how anxious and willing other people, companies and stores are to help.
Do you have any particularly special wishes you can share?
Janice: In January, I first met a four-year-old on his birthday, he had a lot of health problems and the family was struggling. They invited us over after the wish to tell us about their experience. They had pictures, Mickey Mouse ears and Make-A-Wish banners all over the walls of their apartment. It was amazing.
Paul: My favorite wish was a 13-year-old girl who had heart issues and was just a little bitty thing. She wished for a shopping spree. We got to her house the day of the wish, and the parents had covered the windows with sheets so she couldn't see the limousine pull up outside. When she went outside she just shrieked, 'You've got to be kidding!' On her shopping spree she had her make-up done and was wearing a crown; she was looking like a million bucks. It was very sweet. She got everything her heart desired.
Why would you recommend volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
Janice: I love what Make-A-Wish does. They add an experience to a child's life they would never get to have without Make-A-Wish. It's wonderful. It does make a difference in their lives and they need that.
Paul: I think Janice said it all. It makes kids feel very special. They get to be king or queen for a day.
Janice: Or week!
Special thanks to Paul and Janice (and all of our volunteers) for their continued dedication and support.
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