Today, learn about the wonderful nonprofit named Give Kids The World. Plus, how you can get involved. To date, Give Kids the World has logged more than 4 million hours provided by volunteers, with over a quarter of a million volunteers.
What is Give Kids The World?
Give Kids The World Village is located in Central Florida. This 84-acre, nonprofit resort provides weeklong and cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. Families are provided a fully-furnished villa, transportation, tickets to theme parks, daily entertainment, meals and more.
How It Began
To date, more than 167,000 children and families have had their wish fulfilled at this village, which opened in 1989. However, the story actually begins with a little girl named Amy, who had leukemia and a wish to visit the Orlando theme parks. To fulfill her wish, a respected hotelier agreed to provide a complimentary stay for Amy & her family. Sadly, Amy’s travel plans took too long and Amy passed away before her wish could be granted. The hotelier was a man named Henri Landwirth and he vowed to not let this happen again. He created the project Give Kids The World in 1986, and ran it out of his hotel. Realizing there could be a better way to serve the families and children, the village opened in 1989 and now houses 166 villas for families who come from across the USA and around the world.
A Place For Yes
Doctors, treatments and expenses are just some of what the families who come here are facing. Their world is often filled with “no’s” and limitations. However, Give Kids The World is about Yes’s! Want ice cream for breakfast? The answer is yes! Want to ride the train again? The answer is yes! Furthermore, there is fun to be had for all abilities. Yes, wheelchairs ARE allowed in that pool! At The Park of Dreams guests will find an interactive water garden & wheelchair-accessible pool!
Screening Process To Volunteer
For the safety of families and volunteers, all those who wish to volunteer will be subject to their screening process. More details are outlined below. Do note, court-mandated community service volunteers are not accepted at this time.
Must Know for U.S. Volunteers
- Complete a volunteer application and waiver
- Undergo online check of the Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry
- Parental Agreement: Potential volunteers aged 10-17* must have their parent/guardian complete and submit this form either at the Village or via fax (888-577-9406)
- Proof of valid State Issued Photo ID
- Volunteer Orientation: volunteers that live within 90 miles of the Village must attend an orientation session. If you live outside of the 90 mile radius you will receive an orientation upon checking in the first day of your volunteer experience.
- The minimum age is 8 for children volunteering with Alumni wish families.
Must Know for International Volunteers
- Complete a volunteer application and waiver
- Undergo online check of the Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry
- Proof of valid Passport Proof of valid Visa (if applicable)
- Volunteer Orientation: you must attend Orientation upon checking in the first day of your volunteer experience.
Volunteer Opportunities
Prospective volunteers can go HERE and fill out an Application. Volunteer activities can include delivering complimentary pizza to a family, be an attraction operator and more! Volunteers can also donate their time and skills as an outside performer, or with their certified Pet Therapy animal.
Jaimie A says
I LOVE this post so much!!! My oldest daughter was granted her wish in 2015 (then 7 years old), and we set off on a magical adventure to Give Kids the World Village and the Disney parks. Everything about it was so amazing. The Village is truly a home away from home filled with so many wonderful experiences where the families are loved on and spoiled.
Earlier this year we were able to visit GKTW for our first time since our wish trip. As an alumni, we were able to come visit for the day, and relive some of the awesome experiences we had just a few short years ago. The volunteers really add to the magical atmosphere of the experience. Our littlest is 6 and we’re counting down till we can go volunteer as a whole family. Thank you again for sharing about Give Kids the World. <3