Gardner-Webb Students Spread Joy to ‘Wish Families’ at Give Kids the World Village

Team of 12 Spend Spring Break Serving Critically-Ill Children in Florida

By Chloe Cloutier, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A group of 12 students from Gardner-Webb University recently chose to spend their spring break volunteering and serving families at Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Fla. The nonprofit resort provides critically-ill children and their families with week-long wish vacations at no cost. Lodging, meals, snacks and entertainment are all included. Volunteers work in different areas to create treasured memories for the village’s special guests.

This was the fourth group from Gardner-Webb that Teresa Davis, administrative assistant to the Office of Christian Life and Service, and her husband, Eric, have taken to the village. “We have served many places, but GKTW’s mission to uplift, encourage, spread joy and care for the ‘wish’ families took my heart to another level,” Davis described. “It is a wonderful place to take students to serve others with special circumstances and needs.”

She added, “Every team is different. The work changes from trip to trip, so I am always excited to see what they offer us to do. We are so blessed, and to share joy with those who are tired and weary—it’s the best!”

The students worked volunteer shifts at the carousel and other ride operations, as well as the pool, the Castle of Miracles, and the Café Clayton. They were also assigned to cookie cart delivery, the ice cream shop and horse and pony rides.

Each job was special because of the impact it made on the families. “Our team had the opportunity to choose a ‘shift’ or task that was scheduled at a particular location and time frame,” Davis explained. “When we arrived each day, we checked in and then the trainers would gather us and we would go to the area of service. The shifts were about four hours each. Depending on your area, you may be very steady or slower than another’s shift work. We began work on Friday evening from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and then returned for the next four days to work a variety of shifts.”

Lacy Brooks, a senior exercise science major with a minor in psychology, expressed why the trip was important to her. “It was so precious being able to see the joy these kids experienced while battling such difficult circumstances.” Brooks said. “GKTW is a great organization, and what they do truly makes a difference in the lives of these families. The sense of community and support that is fostered at GKTW is truly heartwarming and inspiring.”

This was her first time to visit GKTW, and her favorite part about the trip was getting to meet and interact with all the children and families. “My biggest takeaway from this trip is to live in the moment,” she reflected. “These families do not know when it could be their last with their child, so they cherish every moment and make the most of their time together. I definitely need to be reminded of this as a college student, when life can be chaotic and stressful. Time goes by too fast, and it’s important to appreciate the present instead of constantly worrying about the future.”

Another student, Haleigh Fields, was deeply impacted by the joy and happiness she felt on the GKTW campus. “The volunteers, GKTW staff, and the wish families were all so excited to be there and be present in the moment, despite their devastating diagnosis,” she observed.

A senior nursing major with a minor in healthcare management, her favorite memory of the trip happened during her shift at the horse and pony rides. A mother was unsure if her child would be able to ride because of his needs. The GKTW staff explained that they were trained to help children who are not able to stabilize themselves on the horse/pony. “As I stood back and watched the child ride the horse, I noticed the mother over to the side recording the moment as she wiped the tears of happiness from her face,” Fields related. “She expressed that she was so thankful that her child was able to experience this despite his limitations.”

Since GKTW was established in 1986, nearly 200,000 families have been welcomed to the village from 50 states and 77 countries. Davis is planning to take another team from Gardner-Webb over fall break in 2025. For more information, call Davis at (704) 406-4277 or email [email protected].

Participating students:

• Kami Beachey
• Lacy Brooks
• Chloe Cloutier
• Lacey Cozart
• Haleigh Fields
• Rachel Gaura
• Brycelynn Glover
• Lucy Merritt
• Miranda Shealy
• Olivia Tate

Chloe Cloutier is a senior communications studies major.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.