Living for Giving
Giving doesn’t look the same for everyone. You can be confident that whether you’re passing the time by volunteering, donating, or fundraising for an event, everything you give directly impacts our Dreamers.
Dreams Come True relies on the support of individuals, groups, companies, and schools to help us fulfill the dreams of children battling life-threatening illnesses. Donations, big or small, are appreciated and welcome.
Volunteering
Volunteers can play a vital role in helping us spread our mission and impact on the First Coast of Florida. By giving your time and skills, you contribute directly to helping us bring hope and joy to children and families battling life-threatening medical conditions, while also creating positive change in our community. Outside of providing a valuable experience that can enhance you both personally and professionally, volunteering is you way of making a difference and connecting with other in our community who may share a common goal to do good.
We are also honored to have two amazing volunteers boards – Horizon Board and the Women’s Board of Dreams Come True. Both boards are comprised of members of our community who volunteer their time to impact the lives of local children and families. From assisting over the holidays, to planning exclusive activities for dream families, they have impacted thousands of families over the years and continue to help us create special moments in between a child medical journey and dream.
Did you know we have a program that pairs students and young people with dream recipients. Kids Helping Kids includes schools, clubs and youth groups, as well as civic, religious and service organizations. Participants lend a helping hand in many ways, by creating cheerful cards for Dreamers in the hospital, volunteering at events like Trunk-or-Treat, or collecting much-needed items over time. They’re also encouraged to raise funds to help sponsor a child’s dream.
To learn about the various volunteer opportunities we have available, visit our Dreams Come True Volunteer Portal.
In-Kind Contributions
In-kind donations are a vital resource for Dreams Come True. By providing goods and services you directly support our programs and operations and eliminate the cash expenditure we would incur. Contributions, such as gifts cards (gas and grocery stores), food, toys, supplies and professional services, allow us to make a greater impact on Dreamer and their families, while also increasing our capacity to serve the community.
In-kind donations are more than material gifts, they are a tangible expression of us coming together to make a difference for children and families in need.
Below is a list of some of our most critical in-kind needs – but welcome you to contact us regarding any possible products or services you would like to provide to see if it is a need for us or our families.
Gift Cards (Gas, Grocery Stores, or Restaurants) – these items provide families with support when their schedules are packed with doctor visits, hospital stays and treatments.
School Supplies – we are honored to host a Back to School drive each year to provide necessary supplies for Dreamers and their siblings. Our school supply shop is open early August for dream families to shop (for free) and pick out the right supplies.
Toys – We collect toy donations all year round. These items are used as special gifts for children who visit our office or we see at the local hospitals and clinics. The largest need for toys comes around the holidays for our Annual Toy Shop – a special shop we set up for our dream families to visit (for free) and pick out the right gifts for their children. Due to our children’s medical conditions and risk of exposure, toys are required to be new and we are unable to accept stuffed animals.
Financial Contributions
In 1984, the Northeast Florida community laid the foundation that has led to the fulfillment of more than 5,000 dreams. Today, annual corporate and individual gifts sustain the ever-growing work of Dreams Come True as we strive to maintain our commitment to never have a waiting list and never turn down an eligible child.
Gifts to Dreams Come True are tailored to meet each company or individual donor’s goals. Your gift will be recognized whether your support is through a general donation or for a specific program or event.
Gifts: Contributions in the form of money or merchandise, such as gift cards, are always welcome.
Please donate online or send checks/merchandise to:
Dreams Come True
6803 Southpoint Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32216
To learn more about our levels of giving, and how to get your company involved, please contact us. Additional ways to give a donation include planned/annual giving and payroll deductions:
Planned and Annual Giving: Your legacy can live on through the dreams of children. With your help, every ill child in our community will continue to experience the hope and joy of a dream come true. By including Dreams Come True in your estate planning or will, your philanthropy can impact and sustain our mission for many years to come.
The Thomas R. McGehee Society: Named for the founder of Dreams Come True, The Thomas R. McGehee Society is composed of individuals who believe it is imperative that future generations of children battling life-threatening illnesses will continue achieving their dreams.
Through their generosity, The Thomas R. McGehee Society members are the foundation upon which Dreams Come True builds for today and tomorrow. Membership in The Thomas R. McGehee Society is obtained by providing a planned gift to Dreams Come True.
Payroll Deductions: Please designate Dreams Come True as the recipient of your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contribution. We are listed in the CFC brochure under agency code #65453. You may also designate Dreams Come True as a recipient when you give to the United Way. You can also speak with your company’s HR department about payroll deductions. Our team would appreciate the opportunity to speak with any company interested in offering a payroll deduction option to their employees.
