Malverne Man Will Wrap Your Gifts If You Grant Wishes

Malvernite John Friia is willing to take one time-consuming task off your holiday 'to-do' list.

The 20-year-old Baruch college student is holding his fourth annual "Wrapping Wishes" fundraiser this Sunday, Dec. 16, from noon to 5 p.m. in the basement of Malverne Village Hall.

Like in year's past, Friia, his family and friends, will wrap any gift you bring them. All they ask is that you place each gift in a box, drop them off during the event and make a minimum donation of $1 per every item you want wrapped to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York. 

The non-profit, which Friia has been working with since he was in eighth grade, grants wishes for children diagnosed with a life-threatening medical conditions. To date, the Malverne native has raised roughly $5,000 for Make-A-Wish by holding annual "Wrapping Wishes" events in his hometown.

In addition to collecting donations in exchange for gift wrapping, Friia also raises funds by selling raffle tickets during the event. Each year he amasses an impressive collection of prizes, donated by companies and organizations, big and small.

This year's grand prize packages include an overnight stay at Oheka Castle, tickets to Make-A-Wish's premier event at Chelsea Piers, gift certificates to restaurants and a "Finish Your Holiday Shopping" basket that features a Flip video camera and jewelry.

Friia will also be raffling off tickets to the Gazillion Bubble Show, the Rachel Ray Show and Bravo's What Happens Live! There's autographed TV scripts and a Star Wars' score, as well as CDs signed by Katy Perry, Train and Melissa Gorga. The baskets also include cooking supplies, clothing featured on NBC's Fashion Star, a "Day of Beauty" gift certificate and memberships to Old Westbury Gardens and the Long Island Museum. (See the attached PDF for more details.)

Raffle tickets are priced at $5 per chance for the grand prizes and $2 each (or 3 for $5) for the other packages.

Kathie Lombardi, coordinator of National and Community Alliances for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York, told Patch that Friia's "generous spirit and enthusiasm to help grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions are remarkable."

Lombardi added, "Especially in this season of sharing and caring we appreciate and depend on the support of volunteers and donors in the community.”