Sherie Mabrey stood on a doorstep, laptop computer in one hand and pizza in the other. She had never been to this house, nor had she met the 12-year-old the laptop was destined for.

The door opened and the 12-year-old took one look at Mabrey and put his arms around her waist.

“He was just over the top,” said Mabrey.

Who wouldn’t be happy to see a “Magic Maker?”

That’s the volunteer job Mabrey has. The Spanish Fort resident and Robertsdale High graduate is part of “Magic Moments,” which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

“The 12-year-old is doing OK,” said Mabrey, adding that she and the child still keep in touch.

Magic Moments, Mabrey added, is for children in Alabama with life-threatening illnesses. The prognosis does not have to be fatal, but the condition should be one that keeps a youngster from enjoying a normal life.

One child, Mabrey knows has put meeting NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon at he top of his wish list. Children are asked to list their top three wishes and while there are guidelines for the wishes, Magic Moments volunteers try their hardest to fulfill the wish. According to its website, the group has granted 3,900 wishes since the organization was founded in 1984.

Mabrey got involved with the organization last September.

“My husband’s boss, Church Moorehead, was a member of the board and talked about it,” said Mabrey. “I expressed interest in joining.”

With a job at an area health-care software firm and a 2-year-old, Mabrey’s life was already busy.

“It’s just rewarding, I feel like I am helping in the community,” Mabrey said of the organization. Mabrey is also a member of the Junior League.

Juggling work, family and volunteer work takes some doing.

“I am up by 5 a.m.,” Mabrey said, adding that her child is up at 6, and Mabrey is off to work shortly after that.

The organization is having an email fundraiser or “e-Campaign.” Go to www.magicmoments.org for details.