Every year, Disney participates in a toy drive to help raise money and toys for the Toys For Tots program. Disney has been incredibly involved with Toys for Tots for nearly 80 years, and even designed the well-known red train logo that the Toys for Tots program still uses to this day. Guests can bring toys to various Disney locations in the weeks leading up to Christmas. But Disney Guests are not the only ones working to provide for those less fortunate during the holidays, Disney Cast Members also work to keep Walt’s Legacy alive and participate in their own Ultimate Toy Drive.
This year, Cast Members from the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney, Hong Kong Disney, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort all came together to donate toys and bring more awareness to an incredible cause. Disney Parks Blog shared more on the annual tradition that Cast Members look forward to:
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.”
Overall, tens of thousands of gifts were collected, gift bags were created, and toys were donated to the Marines, who will, in turn, give those to children in need in their areas.
Disney Cast Members are not the only ones who can help those less fortunate this holiday season. Guests visiting Disney properties this holidays season are also encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys to the Resort and put them in designated Toys for Tots boxes. It is important to check the exact dates for when Disney will stop collecting toys, as different Resorts will have different deadlines. You can also donate through Disney by donating through the shopDisney website.
If you are unable to make it to Disney, you can always check the Toys For Tots website to find locations taking donations in your area. The site will also list cutoff dates for the different drop-off locations.
