LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., – Inspired by the hope and joy of the holidays, Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort donated more than 37,000 new unwrapped toys to make the season bright for thousands of children through the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
“Children throughout Central Florida will have new presents to brighten their holiday season, thanks to Toys for Tots donations from Disney VoluntEARS,” said Marine Staff Sgt. Kent Clarke. “With the support of Disney and donors throughout the community, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is bringing the joy of the holidays to area kids who need it most.”
The new toys, games, books and plush dolls will help spread the spirit of the season to children in need throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. In addition to bringing holiday cheer, the gifts inspired Disney Cast Members and their families to spend quality time together participating in activities, including sorting and distributing the donations, and giving 6,500 hours of volunteer service to Toys for Tots this holiday season.
“Disney Cast Members are proud to honor our company’s tradition of support for Toys for Tots, which began with Walt Disney himself more than 60 years ago,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship for Walt Disney World Resort. “With every toy, we’re sharing the joy of the season and sending a message of hope to children in our community.”
In 1947, Walt Disney and his animators designed the original Toys for Tots logo, which is still used today. As a company with 74,000 Disney Cast Members who live and work in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is committed to investing in its local community. In the past year, Walt Disney World Resort donated $44 million in cash and in-kind support to local nonprofit organizations. In 2014, Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 150,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, with services ranging from donating millions of school supplies to local students to serving more than 9,000 meals to the homeless.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
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