The holiday season is just around the corner, and this is the time of year when people are looking to help make a difference in their community. Many organizations will have plenty of opportunities to make those dreams come true, and The Walt Disney Company is no exception.
The Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, which supports the Marine Toys for Tots Program, has officially kicked off! Since 1947, when Walt Disney and his team of animators personally designed the program’s iconic train logo that’s still used today, Disney has proudly worked with Toys for Tots to bring toys – and happiness – to children in need across the nation, and now you can join them in this heartwarming tradition.
As part of its efforts to raise awareness among fans and consumers, Disney is offering additional support to Toys for Tots with a new Disney-produced Public Service Announcement, “Dear Santa.” The PSA features a voiceover from Gina Rodriguez, a special appearance from a Marine, and one young girl’s journey to share the gift of happiness. It will play in rotation throughout the campaign on Disney’s television networks and streaming platforms including ABC, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, and National Geographic.
“We are proud to continue Walt’s legacy and give the gift of happiness to children and families in need this holiday season with our good friends at Toys for Tots,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s Disney Ultimate Toy Drive promises to be one of the biggest yet as our employees, cast members, and fans across the country continue to serve our communities and bring them together with a little Disney magic.”
“Last year, Disney helped Toys for Tots achieve a record year delivering joy and the magic of the holidays to over 10 million children in need,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Sadly, the need is even greater this year. However, with the generous support from our friends at Disney, their Ultimate Toy Drive will once again propel needed support in communities throughout the U.S. allowing Toys for Tots to fulfill the holiday dreams of our country’s economically disadvantaged children who otherwise might be forgotten.”
Over the past 77 years, Toys for Tots Marines and volunteers have distributed an astounding 677 million toys to over 301 million children, making the holidays a little happier, one gift at a time.
This year, it’s easier than ever to give the gift of happiness:
- Online: Donate a toy from the comfort of your home! Just visit DisneyStore.com/ToyDrive now through December 24, 2024.
- In-Person: Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at a U.S. Disney Store location, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, or in select locations at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, until December 13, 2024. Toy collections will also take place at Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, California. Visitors to the Cotino Sales Studio can take part by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy during regular business hours.
This toy drive is something Disney Cast Members eagerly anticipate every holiday season. Disney VoluntEARS across the company band together to help collect, sort and distribute the donated toys. Each year, they are excited to help lend a hand to the real magic of Disney – and have fun with other Cast Members while at it.
As Walt once said, “My business is making people, especially children, happy.” For over 100 years, Disney has believed in the power of happiness to uplift and inspire—and the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive is one way we can help bring joy to children in need.
Even shows across Disney networks including ESPN’s GetUp! and First Take, as well as ABC and ABC News programs including Good Morning America, The View, Tamron Hall, and Wheel of Fortune will feature Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and Toys for Tots stories to highlight the season of giving and the importance of supporting communities in need.
Disney Theatrical Group will encourage audience members to support the initiative by featuring a Disney Ultimate Toy Drive insert in Playbills for its Broadway productions.
What makes this drive even more special this year? Mickey Mouse will be going on a never-been-done-before journey later this holiday season to help deliver some of these toys to create moments of happiness for kids in need.
For more information on how you can help, visit disney.com/toydrive. Together, let’s make this season unforgettable for kids and families in need!
What do you think about the Ultimate Disney Toy Drive? Are you going to donate to this important cause? Let us know in the comments.
