Make-A-Wish has named Brenda Pollock Volunteer of the Year for the Lubbock area. The Nebraska native was presented the award during Make-A-Wish’s Texas Plains South Regional Council meeting in November 2015.
“I never got involved in this for any kind of awards or recognition or any of that. It’s all been about the kids,” Pollock told EverythingLubbock.com in an interview in early 2016. “That’s all it’s ever been about for me is just (the kids) and their families, being able to create those sunshine and smiles for them because they’re going through a lot of things that I’m so lucky I don’t have to.”
Pollock got involved with Make-A-Wish in 2009 after relocating to Lubbock from Nebraska. Her work with the non-profit began as a wish granter* but her role within the organization has shifted toward fundraising, specifically related to Make-A-Wish’s annual gala, Waltzing for Wishes.
“We’re granting a lot more wishes and there just wasn’t the funding there to be able to grant all those wishes,” she explained. “You know, I (could) go out and start soliciting people for donations on a continual basis. That’s actually been darn fun!”
In the months leading up to the gala, Pollock said she spends hours collecting auction items, securing donations and planning the event decor. She is not compensated for her work but said she finds satisfaction in being able to raise money to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
“It’s giving them an opportunity to go out and do something fun rather than spending all their time worrying about their medication and how they’re feeling.”
To learn more about Pollock’s involvement with Make-A-Wish, watch the associated video. For volunteer information, contact the Lubbock office at (806) 785-9474.
*According to Make-A-Wish, a wish granter is a trained individual who meets with children to determine their wish. They work closely with the Make-A-Wish staff to make each wish come true.
