KISSIMMEE, Fla. – As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee is reflecting on decades of bringing joy to families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
This also comes as some reports show nationwide dips in charitable giving.
Since opening its doors, the organization has supported more than 200,000 families with children battling critical illnesses, offering them a weeklong vacation filled with fun, imagination, and relief — all free of charge.
Located in Kissimmee, the 89-acre village provides families a break from hospitals and treatments, transporting them into a whimsical world designed just for kids.
“Our operation is funded through donors and supporters, and we partner with wish-granting organizations to get the families here,” said President Caroline Schumacher.
According to a December Associated Press report, many Americans were not making year end charitable contributions. Some who support the village say they’re grateful to people or groups they know who donated.
Erin Auman said, “That’s a new generation of helpers helping more helpers.”
Meanwhile, Schumacher notes, “as someone who has been in nonprofit for 26 years, you’re always going to have challenges in economies that will happen over time,” she said. “You really have to make sure you’re fortified as an organization.”
Auman says she is grateful to the organization, as they gave her 11-year-old son, Oliver, cherished memories for their week-long experience.
“My favorite part is whenever we tried the dino,” Oliver said, recalling a day spent exploring the village. “It was a whole day of fun. We went all over the place.” Auman went on to say, “It was really special for our week because when Oliver was in treatment, it was during COVID.”
Throughout the village, symbols of hope appear everywhere — from a star dedicated to each child who visits and attractions that create lasting memories.
For children who once stayed there and have since grown up, the experience remains unforgettable.
“It provides hope, it provides love and a moment of peace,” said one former guest. “It’s truly a place you can go and be a kid,” said Katy Gore.
She says for families facing difficult diagnoses, that chance — even for just a week — can make all the difference.