In October, it will mark 5 years since my family and I had a "Dream" trip from Dreams Come True in Jacksonville, Florida because of my little brother's medical condition. I try and volunteer there as much as I can because volunteering there is as much fun as staying there. His condition puts a stress on my family like no other because he can't be left alone for too long in the house. When Dreams Come True offered us a stay at the Give Kids The World Village for a week with days at the Orlando Theme Parks, my mom told us in tears because she was so excited. My little brother is a HUGE Disney fan and loves the Magic Kingdom. Everything that Dreams Come True and Give Kids The World did for us as a family, we would never be able to pay it back.

The Give Kids The World village was founded by Henri Landwirth, a survivor of WWII, because of a final wish of a child cancer patient. The charity first had its location in a Holiday Inn hotel with the office located inside and the stay included passes to Walt Disney World and SeaWorld. Because Henri couldn't grant the wish of a little girl named Amy, he was inspired to open up a property that would house more families. In 1995, there were only 56 villas open for families, but over the years it grew to 168. Pam Landwirth is the current CEO/ President of the charity. When Henri stepped down in 1995, Pam brought the village to what it is today.

Staying at the Give Kids The World village is an amazing experience. There is an event that happens every night. For instance, they celebrate Christmas and Halloween every week because it could be the child's last holiday with their family. Every event is met with happy families that take a lot of pictures and tearful hugs with the character friends that come to visit every night. Major Clayton is the mayor of the village, he and his wife Ms. Mary are the ambassadors of the village. Maybe if you're lucky, you can celebrate Mayor Clayton's Birthday with a Surprise Party for him!

Mayor Clayton and Ms. MaryGive Kids The World

Every time my family comes to visit me down in Orlando, they always have to make a pit stop and visit the Village because of a special thing that only the families have when they leave the village. As a volunteer, go visit the star tower and you'll see what I mean. You can only have one week to stay in the village and you can't stay with them again, but you can always visit for the day. My brother always looks forward to coming to visit because he loves all the amenities and all the food you could handle. Every time I step foot on the property, I always get the chills because everyone is so kind and cheerful everywhere you go. If you need a break from the world, go volunteer there and your heart will be full when you leave.

If you ever get a chance, volunteer at the village. You won't regret it. All of the families that come to the village are always so thankful that they came to the village. I've never seen a child cry while walking around the village. It gives Disney World a run for its money for being the Happiest Place on Earth. My family will never be able to pay back for all that the volunteers and Dreams Come True for making this possible. If you ever get the chance to come volunteer, take it immediately because you won't regret it.