About Us
No child should ever have to endure the struggle and pain that come with battling a life-threatening illness. Giving back to these children, what their illness has taken away – laughter, strength, hope and joy, is our sole purpose at the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey.
Whether it’s 5-year old Amanda experiencing the magic of Disney, 11-year old Katie having her bedroom made over or 6 year-old Gary joining the Yankees at batting practice, a wish gives each child a chance to forget the doctors, the treatments and the hospital stays.
We hope you will join us - whether as a volunteer, a contributor, or both - in helping us continue creating our special brand of magic through the “power of a wish.”
Our Chapter
Founded in 1983, The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits both the child and the family.
Click here to learn more.
The First Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® traces its beginning to one boy’s wish. In 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer.
Thanks to the generosity of some caring individuals, Chris was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history. Thus, the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial – which later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation® – was born. Read more here…
Fast Facts
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey granted 471 wishes in the last year alone.
In New Jersey we currently have 280+ volunteers and welcome other interested individuals.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey has granted more than 5,700 wishes. Nationally, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted nearly 170,000 wishes since 1980.
Wish referrals are coming in faster than the funds needed to support them.
Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each letter to Santa placed in their Santa Mailbox.
