BAY LAKE, Fla. – Walt Disney World has embraced the season of giving with the continuation of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, a heartfelt initiative supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
Disney’s commitment to spreading joy is evident through the contribution of over 270,000 toys to children facing adversity.
Recommended Videos
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“For 100 years, giving has remained at the core of Disney’s values – from the food donated to the toys gifted and hours volunteered, it’s at the heart of what we do. This holiday season, we are so proud to continue this century-long legacy by delivering joy when and where it’s needed most, especially for our neighbors in Central Florida,” said Nelson Placa, corporate social responsibility senior manager at Walt Disney World.
This holiday season, Disney leaders said the dedicated cast members of Walt Disney World have devoted more than 6,400 hours to give back to the community. The generous toy donations were a collective effort from both cast members and guests within the realm of Walt Disney World.
“It’s truly so impressive that Disney has this long history of giving back and I’m grateful that we can help our local community as Disney VoluntEARS – especially because I was born and raised in Central Florida. This is my home,” said Jen McKechnie, Walt Disney World cast member. “It’s where I live, work and play, and it feels like a dream come true that I can help bring these toys that our cast and guests donated to families right here in my hometown.”
Each cast members role extends beyond mere toy collection, but also includes the meticulous sorting of donations and the thoughtful distribution of gifts to families residing in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County.
“I have supported Toys for Tots as a Disney VoluntEAR every year since my Disney career started more than 30 years ago. This organization is near and dear to my heart because I benefitted from Toys for Tots as a child – they made the holidays so special for me and my family,” said Karen Horbal, Walt Disney World cast member. “I’m so proud that now I can give back to the same organization that supported me, and with so many of my fellow Disney cast members by my side.”
The roots of Disney’s benevolent involvement trace back to 1947, coincidentally the same year when Walt Disney and his team of visionary animators crafted the enduring Toys for Tots logo.
“I’ve had a lot of grateful families come up to me and say how thankful they are to have Toys for Tots, but without Disney’s support, we wouldn’t be able to reach all these children in Central Florida,” said Corporal Kent Muscaro, Toys for Tots warehouse manager.
Over the years, Disney’s unwavering support has reached millions of children in need, which highlights a commitment to making the holiday season brighter for those who need it most.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: