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Not only do Cast Members create magic for Guests at the Disney Theme Parks worldwide, they also have hearts of gold. With the holidays here, many have worked to ensure that kids have toys on Christmas Day. Sasha Azoqa shared more with Disney Parks Blog:
The holidays are here, and as cast members around the world celebrate with different festivities and traditions, we all share a passion for giving back to our local communities through philanthropic efforts.
This year, Disney kicked off the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products destinations and teams coordinating toy donation drives and other activities to spread holiday magic and bring joy to children and families in need. Check out the video below as the magic is “passed” around the world, and continue reading for a closer look at many of the opportunities.
Related: Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
Walt Disney World Resort
From collecting thousands of toys at select locations across property, to assisting with the sorting and distribution of donated items at local Toys for Tots warehouses, Walt Disney World cast members and Disney VoluntEARS are bringing joy to children in need this holiday season.
“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 has donated tens of thousands of toys this holiday season, and an additional 4,100+ toys were donated to local Marines from the Pasadena, Calif. operation of 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 Disneyland Resort
More than 100 Disney VoluntEARS from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort joined hands to collect and prepare over 3,000 goodie bags for local non-profit organizations. These will be delivered in their 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
Toys collected at Tokyo Disney Resort will be donated to Make-a-Wish Japan as holiday gifts for 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
Cast members and their families at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, our beach resort destination in South Carolina, celebrated the season while spreading some local cheer this past weekend by participating in the Bluffton Christmas Parade.
Disney Cruise Line
Cast members from Disney Cruise Line‘s Port Canaveral team are bringing joy to children in need this holiday season through donations to Toys for Tots.
Keith Ryan and his husband Richard Ryan, both Port Representatives, donate bikes every year to spread holiday cheer. “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.”
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort cast members and guests have donated over 1,000 toys and counting to the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive supporting Toys for Tots, with in-person donation opportunities continuing through Dec. 14. “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.”
You, too, can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and these cast members in making the holiday brighter for children and families around the world. Learn more at Disney.com/ToyDrive!
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