Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Florida that provides a special vacation home for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides 166 fully-furnished villas at its resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, GKTW has welcomed more than 193,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries.
With its neatly manicured lawns, colorful duplexes and playful, whimsical buildings, it looks more like a make-believe suburban development than an all-inclusive resort. Give Kids The World Village is both… and neither. It is a non-profit Village where children, whose last Wish is to visit central Florida’s theme parks, stay with their families for the time of their lives.
How This Orlando Charity Gives Kids The World
Give Kids The World Village accommodates these kids with handicap-accessible homes that sleep up to 7, plus one baby in a crib. They provide supervised on-site activities designed to make travel easy for children with a variety of disabilities. Once these children have been identified by a wish-granting organization that provides airfare, Give Kids The World Village fulfills the “Wish” of a lifetime.
During the day, the families visit world-famous attractions and theme parks of Central Florida. In the evening, they return to a Village teeming with themed parties, events and surprises. Delighting all members of the families are events such as the “Village Idol” weekly talent show, horseback riding and playing Candy Land on the world’s largest version of the game at Matthew’s Boundless Playground.
GKTW Works Magic on All Its Visitors
One of the magical moments enjoyed by children visiting GKTW is personalizing their gold star and placing it in the Castle of Miracles and the Star Tower. Their twinkling star remains always, and is a symbol of their light. In honor of the 30th anniversary of GLTW in 2016, a special song “When a Wish Becomes a Star,” was created by composer Rick McKee. The reimagined experience is more interactive now, with animation, charactes and a soundtrack in four languages.
The Gallery of Hope visitor center is a tribute to the founder. It also honors corporate sponsors like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Walmart, Hasbro and individual donors. In 2023, Olivia’s Oasis opened to provide spa and relaxation services to adults thanks to family donors.
New initiatives continue, and in addition to building more units for its guests, there is also talk of expanding the successful GKTW model to another venue, perhaps southern California.
Volunteers at Give Kids the World
More than 1,400 volunteer shifts are needed to keep up the great work at GKTW, and, to-date, over 3 million volunteer hours have been logged. Volunteers greet anxious families at the airport, because more than 80% of families living with traumatic illness never have an opportunity to travel at all. Upon arrival to the Village, volunteers also check-in the families, help them settle into one of the 168 onsite villas, deliver meals, and provide evening entertainment and activities.
Volunteer opportunities keep expanding, so that even visiting conventioneers and vacationing families can schedule a day to help out and give back. Click here to check out volunteer opportunities and procedures.
Additionally, Give Kids The World Village welcomes more than 20 colleges each year for Alternative Spring Break, a week of volunteering instead of the traditional spring break experience.
Contact Give Kids the World for More Info
The Give Kids The World Village is located in central Florida at 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. For more information about making a contribution and the many ways in which your family can become volunteers, call their offices at 800/995-KIDS or visit Give Kids the World online.
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maurice doyle: You should certainly be in touch with the airline's Customer Support staff to get a refund for any fees you paid to have an escort, if no one was provided. However, most of the airlines don't require an escort for a child that is 14 years old, even when changing planes, therefore they may not have broken any laws by not having one available.
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Thank you. The information is very helpful and before receiving your email, I came to the same conclusion about limiting the trip to Rome and Sicily. You just gave me affirmation. I would love to go to Venice, but that'll will need to wait for another trip.
Thanks again,
Mindy
my grandson flew from sacramento ca. to nixa mo he is 14 yrs of age.We paid for an escort to get him to the next flight out of denver co.at sacramento they told my daughter that it was the last flight out and there is nobody to escort him.can you plese help me with this i want to claim my refund.thany you
Maurice Doyle
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This is a normal requirement with any business who are in the care of under aged young people. I believe there is a medical consent that is required at the time of any travel plans.
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Ooo…Nepal…
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There are so many other things to do in the Wisconsin Dells as well! You can have a visit with nature and I strongly suggest checking out Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, the local state parks. Going for a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks is an memorable experience too!
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Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
I also recommend talking to others that have been to the place that you are going. They will have great ideas on what to see and what to avoid if you have children.
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
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