Creating Happiness & Inspiring Hope for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses

What we do

The most magical sound in the world is that of a child’s laughter.

That is what fills the air at Give Kids The World Village—a wish-fulfilling, fanciful, carefree retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.

Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre, nonprofit “storybook” Village located near Central Florida’s most beloved attractions.  Here, wish children and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations, complete with accommodations in the Village’s whimsical villas, transportation, donated attraction tickets, meals, and much more.

At the Village, these precious children learn that dreams really do come true, as they and their families are immersed in joy, hope, and non-stop fun for a few unforgettably happy days. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed more than 130,000 families from all 50 states and more than 75 countries.

This extraordinary, life-changing experience is Give Kids The World’s gift, made possible only through the generosity of dedicated corporations and countless individuals.

What are we curing?

At Give Kids The World you will not see hospital staff such as doctors or nurses. Instead, you will see sparkling princesses, friendly pirates, and colorful dinosaurs. You will not see waiting rooms filled with restless children and parents. Instead, you will see children enjoying endless magical carousel rides, and parents watching with anticipation as their child’s star is forever placed in the Castle of Miracles.

We are not curing illnesses with modern medicine. We don’t distribute pills, therapy or treatments. We are uplifting families in a time in their lives when they may need it most by dispensing love, laughter and most of all, hope.

Time and time again, families tell us that during their visit they find the inspiration and courage to continue coping with the challenges a life threatening illness brings. Recently a family wrote,

“At GKTW, Bryson could just be a little boy, one who happens to be in a wheelchair. Our whole family really felt at peace, where no one stares at him or judges him. For one short week all feelings of pain, sadness, fear and anger are gone and replaced by happy times and so much love and joy. Just getting to see our children that happy is so much more precious than all the riches in the world.”

How can you create the happiness that inspires hope?

• Donate: Approximately 94 cents of every dollar directly goes towards our mission.
• Host a fundraiser: Organize a dress down day at work, host your own 5k, or join in on an existing event. We would love to support your efforts!
• Volunteer: Our volunteers are amazing individuals. We have 1,400 shifts available every week, and would love to welcome you to our family!
• Spread Awareness: Share our mission with your friends, family and coworkers!

Our thanks to Give Kids The World for helping us learn more about their work!  To learn more about their impact and to connect with them, visit www.gktw.org or click here.