New Hyde Park Volunteer Spotlight: Rachna Vishnubhaka

Rachna Vishnubhaka has been a volunteer at the Make-A-Wish-Foundation since 2005. Gaby Sappington, group director of MAW, says, "Rachna Vishnubhaka has volunteered with us since 2005 and generously gives of her time to help out in our Long Island office (mainly for the wishgranting department). Rachna is also a wish story writing volunteer. Rachna’s support in our office and in writing stories is much appreciated, along with the fact that regardless how busy she is, Rachna is always ready to share one of her beautiful smiles."

New Hyde Park Patch interviewed Vishnubhaka about her volunteer work.

1. How did you decide to volunteer at Make A Wish? - I decided to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation because I have always truly loved working with children.  Due to my physical disability, I knew the reality of being a teacher to younger children was not something I would be able to do.  So, in order to fulfill my passion of working with children, I decided to volunteer for Make-A-Wish. I can definitely say it is the best choice I’ve ever made. I am honored to be volunteering at the Make-A-Wish offices and fortunate that I get to work with truly remarkable people.

2. How long have you been volunteering? - I have been volunteering at Make-A-Wish Foundation for 6 and a half years and counting.

3. What do you find most rewarding about your volunteer work? - It is an amazing experience when you are able to give a sick child the happiness they so need.  The reward is knowing that I am part of that and that somewhere out there is a child smiling because his or her one true wish was granted.

4.  What would you say to encourage other people to volunteer in the neighborhood? - I think the one thing I would say to people in my neighborhood is that a little happiness goes a long way in the life of a sick child. If you are fortunate to have all the great things life has to offer, I would say to people everywhere: Take some time out to pay it forward.