Mar 20, 2025
Sunday, February 23
Our journey began as we departed Monterey and landed in Orlando in the early evening, ready for a meaningful experience ahead. We checked into the Margaritaville Orlando and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Euphoria Fish House before turning in for the night, excited for what was to come.
Monday, February 24
Our first volunteer shift took place at Café Clayton, where we helped serve breakfast to families staying
at Give Kids the World Village. It quickly became evident that many of the volunteers were long-time regulars, dedicating their time weekly to this incredible cause. We met two college students from Michigan who had chosen to spend their spring break volunteering at the Village, which was truly inspiring.
After an orientation with our lead, Angel, we got to work. Stephany and Paula helped in the spacious dining hall by clearing tables, cleaning, and assisting families, while Kevin put his stewarding skills to use by operating the dish machine. Throughout the morning, we had the privilege of hearing stories from families about their journeys and plans for the day. It was also touching to see the wall filled with donated dolls and stuffed animals from Village alumni. Among the many breakfast options, waffles topped with whipped cream were undeniably the favorite!
Following our shift, we had the opportunity to tour the Village, and it was nothing short of magical. Covering 80+ acres, the Village is a haven for wish families, packed with activities and special experiences. Stephanie, our tour guide, made the experience even more impactful as she shared how her own family, originally from Minnesota, had visited the Village years ago as a wish family. The experience was so transformative that they decided to move to the area so they could remain connected to the Village, where she now works and her family volunteers.
One of the most awe-inspiring sights was the Castle of Miracles, where thousands of stars cover the ceiling. Each star represents a wish child who has visited the Village, and the GKTW team can locate every single one. It was a deeply moving moment to witness the legacy of so many families. The Village offers countless activities, including an all-accessible carousel, putt-putt golf, a spa, a train ride with an interactive train set, a movie theater, and more. And in true fairytale fashion, the ice cream shop opens at 7 a.m. and is one of the last places to close each night!
That evening, we took part in a special Halloween-themed Trick-or-Treat event. Normally held outdoors, the
event was moved indoors due to weather, but that didn’t dampen the excitement. Families arrived and were greeted by Angel, Stephany, and Paula, who helped them select brand-new costumes from a vast assortment, including Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, and even fun costumes for wheelchair users. Once dressed up, children walked the red carpet, showing off their costumes with pride! Kevin lent a hand at a craft booth, helping kids construct spider webs using yarn and popsicle sticks. The night ended with a lively Halloween dance party, where the joy in the room was palpable.
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