
It’s that time of year again. Toys for Tots has launched its annual campaign to provide Christmas gifts to children in need. That’s Right, Santa isn’t the only one giving gifts to children in need- the US Marine Corps is delivering toys, too, as it has done every year since 1946! Disney and Toy for Tots have a partnership that extends almost as long as the organization has been around!
In 1947, just a year after the foundation began, they approached the Walt Disney Company to help, and help they did. Did you know that Disney artists designed the Toys for Tots logo? Not just any Disney artists either; Walt Disney himself helped design the adorable little train logo we see each Christmas! Since then, the company has been in close partnership with the organization. Together they have given more than 630 million toys to over 280 million children. That is a lot of Christmas cheer!
“Disney is incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary and continue our longstanding relationship with Toys for Tots to help make the holiday season brighter for children in need,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility at The Walt Disney Company.
President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), said, “Disney’s multifaceted support spanning decades has allowed Toys for Tots to expand its reach, delivering hope and joy to millions of less fortunate children. Disney’s community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 75 years through the Toys for Tots Program. We couldn’t be more proud to have a friend like Disney.”
As purse strings tighten everywhere due to rising inflation, many parents this year will have to depend on charitable organizations like this one to provide a merry Christmas for their children. If you would like to help, Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by purchasing a toy to donate online at shopDisney.com now through Dec. 24. You can also donate a new, unwrapped toy in person at a Disney store or Disney store outlet location, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, now through Dec.12.