As we wrap up our month-long effort to highlight exceptional volunteers for National Volunteer Month, we recognize Tara Collins-Felix and Monica Harden, two best friends who make wishes come true for kids all over SoCal!
They are volunteers with Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire, and they help create brighter days for young people battling critical illness.
Harden says that part of their job is interviewing children to determine their wishes. "And then the other aspect is called wish presentations," she tells Heroes Host Heather Jordan. "So these are when kiddos have gotten their wish, and we get to go and just make their day by letting them know that their wish is coming true."
Collins-Felix says volunteering has changed her life in so many positive ways, especially when doing it alongside her best friend.
"It's amazing," she said. "I love being friends with somebody who has the same need to give back the way I do. If she's in, I'm in, no matter what. And it is one of the best feelings in the world to just be able to watch the families, and these wish kiddos, with everything they've been through, to see them just smile. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world."
The wishes range in size from electronics to shopping sprees to Disney tickets.
Harden says the community really comes together to make the wishes come true, and that makes life brighter for everyone involved.
"In our particular climate, sometimes we can get into the dumps a little, then you reach out to different businesses, and how quickly they are willing to help, it's amazing to see community come together that brings a little bit of hope, a little bit of sunshine in all of our lives," she said.
If you would like to join this dynamic duo in their efforts to make wishes come true, check out the Make-A-Wish website.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
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