When we think of those in need, we think especially of children with critical illnesses. There are tens of thousands of such children across America, many of them in Maine. Not only are they suffering from a wide range of life-threatening medical conditions, but their families are also weighed down by the unspeakable burden of seeing their loved ones struggle. Entire families bear that burden, straining relationships and heightening stress to unfathomable levels.

Community matters most amidst tragedy. In our case, “community” means strengthening the bonds between small businesses and local nonprofit organizations. In Maine, more than 200 volunteers are actively making wishes come true. And that spirit of volunteerism matters: 99% of doctors believe wishes can help relieve a family from traumatic stress, with nearly 90% of Make-A-Wish alumni claiming their wish was a turning point in their treatment. With an average of one wish granted every five days in our state, the community supporting this mission makes a difference.

VIP Tires & Service officials present a check for $164,517.42 to Make-A-Wish Maine. File photo

That’s where Maine-based businesses like VIP Tires & Service are taking the lead. Since 2007, VIP’s team has supported the granting of wishes throughout Maine and northern New England, with the company’s cumulative donation to Make-A-Wish already surpassing the $1 million mark, with over $600,000 of that total directly helping grant wishes in Maine.

Corporate partnerships are integral to the success of local nonprofits—and those they serve. Nonprofit organizations like Make-A-Wish rely on diversity in their revenue streams to enable their programs and services. Corporate partners allow Make-A-Wish to deliver and restore hope for our “wish kids” and their families while also increasing awareness about their work.

We see the power of hope on a very personal level. Hope can transform lives, and for kids battling critical illnesses, hope can be delivered through the granting of a wish. VIP has helped create hope for children who wished to visit Walt Disney World, or to go deep sea fishing in Hawaii. They’ve also supported wish kids who dreamt of attending the World Series, having their very own cutting edge YouTube studio at their home or even to own their own family boat.

While corporate partnerships obviously support nonprofits and their beneficiaries, they are also rewarding to the corporate partners involved. Employers and employees can become inspired when they get involved with local charities, feeling a greater sense of purpose beyond themselves. VIP’s team members, for instance, often speak of feeling more humility and pride because of the company’s partnership with Make-A-Wish.

Embracing engagement with local charities should become a staple of workplace culture. There is immense value in serving others, whether they are customers or children in need. The involvement with these causes can also help workers feel more appreciated, empowered, and productive on the job, since their efforts take on new meaning.

As longtime advocates for corporate partnerships with nonprofits, we can’t endorse them enough. Maine’s businesses are known for supporting their communities, serving human beings in ways that transcend the bottom line and we encourage them to continue to invest in the great work being done by nonprofit organizations throughout our great state.

Our wish is for people — in the business community, at local nonprofits, and everywhere else — to experience the benefits of giving and serving, and to consider how you can partner with others to make a difference, especially for those who need it most.

Tim Winkeler serves as president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service. Kate Vickery is the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Maine.