A Village of Hope and Heart: My Experience at Give Kids the World Village
Sometimes, you come across a place that stays with you forever, and Give Kids the World Village is one of those places. Nestled in the heart of Kissimmee, Florida, this extraordinary 89-acre resort welcomes families with children facing critical illnesses, offering them a magical escape from the daily challenges of treatments and medical appointments. It’s not just a vacation—it’s a world of joy, healing, and unforgettable moments.
What makes this place even more incredible is that everything is completely free for these families. Through partnerships with Make-A-Wish and over 40 other wish-granting organizations, they ensure that all meals, lodging, and activities are covered, allowing families to focus on simply being together. Since its founding in 1986, Give Kids the World has served more than 177,000 families from all 50 states and over 76 countries around the world.
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A Place Where Every Day is a Holiday
One of the things that stood out to me during my time there is how every single night is a celebration. They transform ordinary evenings into something extraordinary, bringing joy to kids who’ve spent much of their lives in hospitals. Here’s a little glimpse of what a week at Give Kids the World looks like:
- Monday is all about spooky fun with the Halloween Extravaganza. Kids and their families dress up, trick-or-treat around the village, and enjoy a night filled with costumes, candy, and laughter.
- Tuesday brings the Stellar’s Star Search Talent Show, where these amazing kids take the stage and showcase their talents—everything from singing to jokes. Watching their courage and excitement is truly inspiring.
- Wednesday is Mayor Clayton’s Surprise Birthday Party, where everyone celebrates with the Village’s beloved bunny mascot.
- Thursday turns the Village into a winter wonderland, with Santa making a special visit, even in the Florida heat!
- Friday is the Once Upon A Village Party, where fairy tales come to life, offering even more magic and enchantment.
The beauty of this place is that they create memories that these families will cherish forever, turning moments most of us take for granted—holidays, birthdays—into joyful experiences.
Our Time Volunteering
In July, Morgan and I had the privilege of volunteering at the Village, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. We helped during the Halloween Extravaganza, handing out candy, playing with Mr. Potato Head toys, and seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they embraced a night full of fun and laughter.
I also had the opportunity to work in Café Clayton, serving meals to families. Every interaction was a humbling reminder of how resilient and amazing these kids and their parents are.
What really struck me was learning how much it takes to run the Village. Did you know that it takes over 1,800 volunteers each week to keep everything going smoothly? That’s about 200 volunteers every single day! These volunteers come from all over, some local and others from across the country, all united in their desire to give back and make a difference. It’s truly a community of kindness and compassion.
How You Can Make a Difference
Give Kids the World Village relies on donations and volunteers to keep the magic alive. Here’s how you can help:
- Monetary Donations: You can donate directly through their website. Every contribution helps fund the lodging, meals, and activities that bring so much joy to these families.
- Amazon Wish List: I have an Amazon Wish List that sends items directly to Volunteer Services. These items help support the day-to-day operations and keep the Village stocked with essentials.
- Volunteer: This organization is 90% run by volunteers. Learn how you can sign up to make a difference like we did.
Whether you can give financially or offer your time as a volunteer, every little bit makes a huge difference in the lives of these brave families.
Final Thoughts
When I think back on our time at Give Kids the World Village, I’m reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of joy, even in the hardest of times. This is more than just a place—it’s a reminder that, no matter what life throws at us, there’s always room for laughter, hope, and love.
We hope you consider adding a volunteer day at GKTW during your next Disney trip. Doing so will help others as well as you enjoy a much-needed vacation.
Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip! If you ever get the chance to volunteer at Give Kids the World, do it. You’ll leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories that will stay with you forever.
Ready to start planning your own Dream Vacation? Contact me today: amberh@destinationsinflorida.com. I understand that each family is unique and offer individualized family vacation planning to help you tailor your vacation to fit your
