Originally Posted By Admin This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/News-ID511910.asp" target="_blank">1/9/08 Bob Welbaum: A Special Holiday Wish</a>
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I had the great honor to voluntEAR at GKTW while working on the WDW College Program in 1992. This was back before the expansion of the facility (an expansion worthy of recognition on many levels). It was such a priviledge to work with these kids. Typically I worked the "Parents Night Out". This was a night that activities were provided by volunteers from various parks and companies to the children. Parents then got a few hours of downtime to do something on their own. While the kids enjoyed the time the parents were most appreciative of getting even a brief break from all they were going through. It was fun (sometimes emotional and sad...but mostly fun) working side by side folks from Sea World and Universal amongst other places. One particular night we were all carrying on with the kids when I noticed a young teen boy by himself and withdrawn. I went over to talk to him and try to engage him but he was very reserved. I don't know what his affliction was but at that moment it was heartbreaking. After trying many different things I finally grabbed a pack of cards and showed him some magic tricks. And then I started showing him how to do the magic tricks. When his folks got back he was smiling and having a great time and he was upset that I was leaving. Frankly, I was a little bummed too. But, I wished them well and then went back to my reality of the Jungle Cruise. Some weeks later the Village was sent a letter from the boy's parents. He had passed away. They shared the letter with me because they had included a picture of the boy and I that was taken the evening we were together. Of course I broked down crying...partly from the tragedy of the situation by also because of the joy in knowing that he had a good time, however short it was, while he was in Orlando. When I am in Orlando I try to stop by the Village once in a while. I like to see the new, great things they are doing. And, I like to remind myself of the struggles many people go through that I have not had to face. It makes life seem a little sweeter. To those companise that donate money and the people who donate time to this worthy cause...thank you. If you would like to help, even in the smallest of ways, check out the GKTW website at www.GKTW.org. One great way to help is by purchasing their Christmas cards each year. The cards are drawn by children who have visited the Village throughout the year. Better the Village get your money than Hallmark. Thank you for presenting this story of Mr. Landwirth: a true hero.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome Henri (Landwirth) is amazing. And as far as I know still, GKTW does allow for visiting volunteers. I volunteer there (I'm local), but if someone wants to take a day out of their trip, I'm sure the Village would be more than happy to give a shift or two. I did the PNO program for a couple of years. I thought it was a terrific program, but they no longer have it. I always was so happy when the parents were given a great restaurant as their dining place. (like Yachtsman, Ohana, etc.). The restaurants ran the gamut from non-Disney to Disney, very casual to very nice. There is some sadness - I met a really awesome family with about 7 kids (one was also on the way). They had just found out that 3 or 4 of the kids had a disease, an incurable one. I don't remember the name of it, but it starts robbing the eyesight, then movement, etc. The children were beautiful, and just so well behaved and mannered (and happy). One of the girls - she was 7 or 8, was asking me about the gifts on the table (each child was allowed to choose one). She couldn't really see much anymore, and she kept picking up the same items. I could have stayed there all night explaining what each thing was, even 100 times each. Very special family. There are times you want to pull your hair out too (I cried one night after a shift because a little boy kicked me a lot and told me he hated me). I know it wasn't personal, but that was pretty rough. You never know what will happen on any given day, but it's rewarding and I definitely recommend stopping by the village (and if you are there, maybe they can put you to work for a couple of hours!)
Originally Posted By beamerdog I know a family who has stayed at the Village with their extremely physically handicapped child. It's a truly wonderful place. Thank you to all who have volunteered there.
