My mother-in-law was a volunteer with them in Orlando for a year or two. I visited their property, filled with single family homes, all you can eat ice cream shop, enchanted play room, marry go round (ride it any time) and a swimming pool that was designed for all people including all handicapped people...the families of seriously and terminally ill children are able to come to this property and have their dreams of vacation relief met...trips to Disney and other Orlando area sites and parks are arranged at no cost to the families...all medical concerns are taken into consideration and met while they are there...their every need is met so that the entire family, as well as the ill child, can relax and enjoy the time they are there....memories made for these families, that otherwise would not have these times of fun and relaxation together.

I saw the faces of families smiling in the ice cream shop. I visited their management office and was so impressed with how these people love their work and the families they are helping.

I would not know much more...I have wonderful memories of only my two hours their with my mother-in-law as our tour guide and my little three year old(at the time) girl's eyes wide open with surprise and awe. If my little one was so taken with this place, and she's been to Disney many many times because my mother-in-law also worked there for several years and we were allowed free passes, then I can only imagine what the families felt that had never been to a place like Disney or "Give Kids the World"

This began as a dream of a man who is a survivor of the Holocaust. He didn't want any child to die without getting a chance to smile and enjoy the life they did/do have. His name eludes me at this moment...however, there is a Give Kids the World web site that will afford you all the information you'd need

I believe this is one of those charities that really really makes a difference is the lives of families of ill children..happiness and joy together as a family with no worries or burdens for a week or two is worth more than money to them..and they all seem to leave more hopeful and that can only be a good thing...if you visit, be sure to go to the tiny little chapel...it's built in the round, small with an angelic mural around the top, beautiful glass work...I was dumb founded when we went in and saw the messages left by the families in their guest log with in this amazing tiny little jewel of a building...then head over to the ice cream center and watch the smiles and the pool...my goodness, the pool. Arms and legs and bodies given time to ease from pain through the relief of the swimming pool waters. Movements that are not able to be made on the land, are easily made and enjoyed within the pool..So much is offered and so much is gained and the area feels like any middle class subdivision in any town in this country..not one moment of a hospital environment felt. A nice neighborhood and trips to area parks and entertainment....just think how the families feel to get some of their needs met after care taking an ill and helpless (sometimes) child...:O)