Malvernite wraps gifts, raises funds

It’s that time of year — the holiday season is here. You may find yourself a little stressed from the holidays, but with the Wrapping Wishes fundraiser that is benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, we will take away some of the stress so you can enjoy the holidays.

"Wrapping Wishes gives people the opportunity to get their boxed holiday items professionally wrapped and also have the chance to win amazing prizes,” said event coordinator and Malverne resident John Friia.

The fundraiser will be held on Dec. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Community Room of Malverne Village Hall. The charge for wrapping a boxed holiday item starts at a $1 a box.

This year there are great prizes you can win, including Malverne Goodies, an overnight stay at OHEKA Castle, a two-night stay at the Essex House in New York City, a stay at Caesars Atlantic City, a family fun day in New York City, a Chelsea Market Basket, entertainment memorabilia, Nintendo DS Lite, a pearl necklace and much more.

This is the third year Friia is holding the fundraiser. So far, he has raised $3,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “My goal this year is to reach $7,500,” he said, nothing that that is the average cost of a wish.

“I have volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® since I was 13 years old and I have always wanted to organize my own fundraiser,” Friia said about bringing the event to Malverne. “I decided to do something that I enjoy while helping a good cause.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical ailments to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Metro New York chapter helps children in the five boroughs and Nassau County. Since its founding in 1983 this chapter has granted more than 9,000 wishes.

If you would like to enter to win some of the prizes or for a complete list, email WrappingWishes@gmail.com. Friia will also be selling raffles at the Dec. 4 Lighting of Malverne and on the day of the fundraiser.