Disney Hosts a First of Its Kind Toys For Tots Distribution

Posted by: Jill Bivins December 20, 2022

Christmas is a magical time full of joy and laughter. Is there anything that can compare to the joy on a child's face when they look under the tree on Christmas morning and see that Santa has visited them? For many kids though, they go to sleep on Christmas Eve unsure if Santa will be stopping by their house…not because they were bad but because their parents can't afford gifts.

Many families struggle to make ends meet, put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. For these families, the thought of buying Christmas presents seems like an impossible dream. However, thanks to programs like Toys for Tots and the generosity ofthose who donate, these children will have a magical Christmas after all.

Credit: Disney

Toys for Tots is a charitable organization fou dedicated in 1947 by Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, who just so happened to be a good friend of Walt Disney. In fact, it was Walt who gave the organization its name and iconic train logo still used to this day. Lt General Jim Laster, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation said, "it's because of the strong partnership and the corporate support that we get from Disney for 75 years that has enabled us to support 281 million children over these so many years, so we couldn't do it without them."

Credit: Disney

This year Disney got into the spirit of giving by hosting a toy distribution on Disney property. Could it get any more magical? For the first time ever, the resort held its first Toys For Tots distribution event in the parking lot at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. More than 900 central Florida families were helped at this one event.

Credit: Click Orlando

"We are hosting a Toys for Tots distribution event and families are here, they’re collecting toys and our Disney VoluntEARS, our cast members, are just so excited to be able to welcome these families and help them bring a little extra joy to their families this holiday season," said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of external affairs at Walt Disney World.

Credit: Click Orlando

If you’d like to donate, there is still time. Toys for Tots not only distributes Toys to children at Christmas, but helps needy children year round. Click here to learn about all of the ways you can help.