Nonprofit that grants wishes to critically ill children returns to Wichita

Following a several-year absence, Make-A-Wish Foundation Missouri & Kansas is re-establishing a presence in Wichita and the state.

“My main focus is rebuilding relationships here in Wichita and the surrounding areas,” said Jessica Compton, the nonprofit’s new philanthropy manager in Wichita.

The national organization, which turns 40 next year, grants wishes to critically ill children.

The Kansas chapter never was particularly active, and it merged with the Missouri chapter in 2018 to combine talents, improve efficiencies and have significant reductions in costs.

“It was always our intention to have a staff presence here in Wichita,” Compton said.

The pandemic changed plans for Make-A-Wish workers to regularly travel here.

Compton, a Wichita native, is based here.

Currently, she’s the only employee here, but a volunteer coordinator is starting soon and will start building a volunteer base.

“We have a very large need for volunteers,” Compton said.

There’s particularly a need for volunteer wish granters, the ones Compton said help determine a child’s one true wish.

“They are our main contact when it comes to families,” she said. “They do all of the hands-on work. They build the magic (and) bring the magic. They are absolutely crucial to our mission.”

Without wish granters, Compton said, there can’t be great wishes.

The next training for volunteers is July 23. Training will be online. More information is available at wish.org/mokan.

The organization also wants to re-establish a junior board, which it has in most major cities where it operates and had here at one time.

Make-A-Wish is looking for young professionals ages 24 to 39 who are leaders in their fields.

“We’re really just trying to bring it back because they’re a very crucial part,” Compton said.

Another big goal is for Make-A-Wish to have more visibility in the community through various events. The organization recently had a float in the Riverfest parade.

Compton said the idea is to have a presence to attract volunteers and children who need wishes fulfilled.

“We’re really wanting to make our community feel supported in our efforts.”