Caroline Schumacher - CEO of Give Kids The World Village with her family at GKTW featured graphic

Moms to Know:  Caroline Schumacher – CEO of Give Kids The World Village

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When Caroline Schumacher talks about Give Kids The World Village, her eyes light up with the same energy she had the very first time she stepped on the property. She still remembers the exact date: May 6, 1998. Then a Disney College Program student, Caroline was encouraged to volunteer at the Village. 

Her story resonated with me as well. During my own college years, I volunteered at Give Kids The World, a truly special place. Caroline’s journey from that first volunteer shift to her current role as CEO is filled with lessons in service, family, and leadership.

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For our November/December Issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine, I had the opportunity to chat with Caroline Schumacher, CEO of Give Kids The World Village. Hearing from this influential mom reignited my love for charity and Give Kids the World Village.

Get to Know Caroline Schumacher CEO of Give Kids The World Village

OPM: What first inspired you to volunteer at Give Kids The World Village?

Caroline: I was in the Disney College Program in 1998, and one of my mentors encouraged me to volunteer. My very first shift was “Parents’ Night Out.” I rode the carousel and played games with the kids while their parents had dinner. At the end of the night, the parents were so emotional, telling us they hadn’t had the chance to just be adults in years. That was the moment I realized this work was life-changing.

OPM: Can you share your journey from volunteer to CEO?

Caroline: Honestly, I never set out to work in the nonprofit sector. My background was in communications, but that early experience opened my eyes. I came back to the Village as Director of Volunteer Services. Each role taught me something new, and eventually I stepped into leadership. 

OPM: As a mom, how do you manage family life alongside leading a nonprofit?

Caroline: I don’t love the word “balance”—I think of it as integration. Different seasons of life dictated how my husband and I handled things. When our kids were little, we sometimes worked opposite shifts. Later, when I became a VP, we kept daycare close to the Village so I could easily be there for our daughter. We’ve always been open with our kids that service is part of our family’s lifestyle.

Caroline with her family at GKTW Village – image provided by Give Kids the World Village

OPM: How has motherhood shaped your leadership style?

Caroline: It gave me empathy. I remember being the only mom on staff with a baby, and it was hard. That made me more mindful of supporting my team members who are raising children or caring for family. At the same time, I try to help my team avoid compassion fatigue. We’re creating once-in-a-lifetime moments, and it’s easy to put immense pressure on ourselves. I want to make sure our culture is caring and sustainable.

OPM: Give Kids The World was founded by Henri Landwirth. How do you carry forward his legacy while also making your mark?

Caroline: Henri was a Holocaust survivor and dealt with the loss of his family. He wanted families to have a place where illness and stress could be set aside, even just for a week. It’s not just a vacation. It’s hundreds of people coming together to care for one family. My role is to be a good steward of that mission, ensuring the Village remains strong and sustainable for decades to come.

OPM: What has been one of your most memorable moments at the Village?

Caroline: Hasbro makes sure every Wish family gets a Give Kids The World edition of Candy Land. It always makes me smile that everyone knows Candy Land, but not everyone knows the Village. That’s something I want to change.

OPM: How can Central Florida families get involved?

Caroline: There are so many ways. Families can volunteer together at the Village—kids as young as eight can join if they’re with a parent. We also have our Gingerbread Run each November, our “Adopt a Tree” fundraiser during the holidays, and donation drives for toys and candy. Every bit helps us create joy for these families.

OPM: What advice would you give to other moms?

Caroline: Forgive yourself. You can’t do it all, and it’s never going to be 50/50. I integrate my life together instead of trying to keep work and family separate. That’s what makes it possible.

Caroline with her family at GKTW Village in front of Scoops
Caroline with her family – image provided by Give Kids the World Village

Volunteer as a Family at GKTW Village

  • Village Shifts: Kids as young as 8 can serve alongside a parent.
  • Gingerbread Run 5K: Evening holiday race through the Village each November.
  • Adopt a Tree: Decorate a holiday tree to support wish families.
  • Drives & Donations: Toys, souvenirs, and candy are always needed.
  • Spread the Word: Share the mission so more families learn how to help.

Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando native. She loves sharing her hometown with others from the theme parks to Florida's natural beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Dani is thrilled to serve as our Managing Editor at Orlando Date Night Guide, Orlando Parenting, as well as Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.