Swish Wish

Swish Wish: Giving the Gift of Basketball

Basketball is more than just a game, it’s a source of joy, confidence, and community. But for many kids, access to something as simple as a basketball is out of reach. That’s where Swish Wish comes in.

At Swish Wish, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, dream, and grow through basketball. One of our goals is to donate basketballs to underprivileged youth, schools, and community centers so that no child is left on the sidelines.

With your support, we can provide basketballs to kids who need them most. Every donation, big or small, helps us put a ball in a child’s hands and a smile on their face.

Help us make a Swish Wish come true because every kid deserves a shot!

Hello,

My name is Max Santamaria, and I’m a 9th grader at the Buckley School. Basketball has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I still recall the thrill of playing in my very first local league, where the game ignited my confidence, taught me resilience, and showed me the value of teamwork. Basketball has always been my escape, it's been a way to relieve stress and discover my true potential.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges many young players face. I’ve seen teammates slip on worn-out shoes with little traction, and I’ve watched others wait for a shared ball because they don’t have one of their own. In some cases, kids didn't even have a proper court, they played on dirt playgrounds. Witnessing these hardships inspired me to act.

That’s why I founded the Swish Wish Nonprofit organization. In partnership with the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club and LAPD Devonshire PALS, our mission is to give back to communities through the game of basketball and other sports as well.

This May, our Swish Wish project will take us to CASA DE GRACIA in Ensenada, Mexico, a small village just two hours from the U.S.-Mexico border. There, we plan to install basketball hoops, donate basketballs, and teach local children how to play. Even though they currently have only a dirt playground, we believe that bringing the joy of basketball to these kids will have a profound and lasting impact.

Your support can make a real difference. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us move closer to giving these children the gift of basketball and the opportunities that come with it. Thank you for helping to turn this dream into a reality.

Sincerely,

Max Santamaria