Cast Members Around The Globe Band Together For Toys For Tots
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the one thing that fills us with a real sense of Disney magic each Yuletide Season is not the parades or the fireworks. Rather, it’s the way that Disney Cast Members join together for a really good cause – the Toys for Tots Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.
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This year, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products destinations and teams coordinated the toy donation drives along with other activities to spread holiday magic to children and families in need. The video above is a great example of the way that magic is “passed” around the world.
Let’s take a closer look at these philanthropic opportunities:
Walt Disney World
At “The Most Magical Place on Earth” thousands of toys have been collected at select locations. The sorting and distribution of donated items is taking place at local Toys for Tots warehouses with cast members and Disney VoluntEARS on hand to help with the process.
“During this holiday season, giving back to me means creating happiness for others and not expecting anything in return,” said cast member Araceli Medrano. “Working at World of Disney where we have multiple Toys for Tots donation drop-boxes, and getting to do something I know is going to make someone else happy, is a gift in and of itself.”
Consumer Products Games and Publishing
The Consumer Products, Games and Publishing team is responsible for tens of thousands of toys this holiday season. In addition, over 4100 toys were also donated by local Marines from Pasadena, California who work with Toys for Tots.
“All of us were left feeling more hopeful and more joyful,” Alyson Melling, assistant manager, CPGP Social Responsibility. “It was a gift to everyone involved.”
Hong Kong Disney Resort
Across the pond at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, more than 100 VoluntEARS collected and prepared over 3,000 goodie bags for local non-profit organizations. These goodie bags will be delivered to local communities throughout the holiday season.
“Christmas is a season for joy and love,” said Vivian Au, location planner for Merchandise. “Time to spread some Disney magic to the community!”
Tokyo Disney Resort
Look at all those gifts! Toys collected at Tokyo Disney Resort will go to Make-a-Wish Japan. These will be passed on to Children in Need.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share happiness with kids and families through our Make-A-Wish Japan Toy Drive,” said Sachiko Obayashi, an executive secretary with the Finance team.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
At Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, cast members along with their families spread some local cheer along the Carolina coast by participating in the Bluffton Christmas Parade!
Disney Cruise Line
Over at Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line teams worked hard to bring joy to children in need this holiday season through Toys for Tots donations.
Disneyland Resort
We finish our tour on the West Coast where Keith Ryan and his husband Richard Ryan, both Port Representatives donate bikes every year to spread a bit of holiday magic. “My motivation for giving comes from a deep appreciation for the blessings and opportunities that I’ve been given,” Keith said. “It’s truly a simple gesture that I hope brings some joy to children and families who might otherwise go without Christmas gifts.”
In addition, Disneyland Resort cast members have donated over 1,000 toys as part of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive. In-person donations will continue through December 14th.
“Giving back makes you appreciate the little things in life,” said World of Disney cast member Kika Lopez. “It reminds me that this time of the year is about giving and not receiving.”
For those interested in joining the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive we recommend that you visit Disney.com/ToyDrive!
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