Disney Cast Gives Back This Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Today many Walt Disney World Cast Members, who often can not be home with their own families, are giving back to their community. For nearly 25 years, the Disney culinary team has prepared home-cooked meals for hundreds of local residents to enjoy, served by Disney VoluntEARS  (an all-volunteer group of Cast members dedicated to giving back). 

This year many of Disney’s celebrated chefs are preparing all the traditional fixings for residents at Harbor House of Central Florida, an organization that helps pull people to safety and hope from domestic abuse.

Credit: Disney

“We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our community partners like Disney,” said Allison Krall, President & CEO of Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. “We love seeing Disney VoluntEARS at the shelter, and it’s especially uplifting to see the extra magic they bring to our residents on Thanksgiving evening.”

Credit: Disney

Disney is also teaming up with the Osceola Council on Aging to provide desserts to more than 200 displaced seniors who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Wendy Ford,President & CEO of Osceola Council on Aging said, “when we had to cancel our annual fundraiser due to Hurricane Ian, Disney stepped in to cover our full fundraising goal. From monetary support to ensuring displaced seniors have a memorable Thanksgiving meal, we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Disney VoluntEARS also worked alongside Heart of Florida United Way to pack more than 4,000 meal kits for residents in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. These meals will go to medically fragile residents who are unable to leave their homes due to their health issues. 

This serves as a wonderful reminder of what the holiday season is truly about. From all of us at Disney Dining, we would like to wish you and your families a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful to you, dear reader, today and every day.