Disney VoluntEARS continue to contribute to the relief efforts caused by the recent crisis in the greater Los Angeles area, from the fires that have raged across the city and decimated entire communities. While fire response teams work tirelessly to contain the fire, families are struggling with the destructive reality of this recent string of fires.
The Walt Disney Company, whose roots are inextricably tied to the Los Angeles area, is looking to give back to the community that it’s been a part of for the last seventy years; in addition to pledging fifteen million to community relief and rebuilding efforts, Disney has also opened its wardrobe warehouse to families in need, and is now going to extra mile to provide a touch of comfort to the children in American Red Cross shelters who have been facing the most uncertain times in their lives since the fires.
VoluntEARS put together comfort kids, including coloring and activity books, plush toys, and more simple childhood comforts, as well as books, chairs, games, blankets, and more to help fill the kid’s area at the Pasadena shelter.
“If there’s one company that can bring a smile to somebody’s face when they’re going through their most difficult time, it’s Disney,” Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said. “You look at operations like this, where Cast Members are coming together, everyone wants to reach out and help. And that’s what we’re here to do.”
While providing simple comforts is a luxury sorely needed for the kids currently living in the American Red Cross shelters, Disney is also working closely with the American Red Cross to identify other ways they can bring a little happiness to the families affected by the current LA crisis, including the potential for Disney movie screenings to help provide a sense of joy and normalcy for these displaced children.
“I’m deeply grateful for Disney’s unwavering support of our mission and their generous commitment to help those in need,” Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, said. “Just last week, I was able to connect with Bob Iger when he visited an American Red Cross shelter in Pasadena. I can’t thank the Disney team enough for standing with us to bring hope and comfort in the wake of these devastating wildfires.”
Both Disney corporate and Disney Cast Members from all departments have been hard at work supporting nonprofit organizations who aim to serve the local community; Disney has also been supporting its employees who have been affected throughout Southern California, with VoluntEARS coming together at the drop of a hat to provide these comfort kits to children and families in need.
With volunteer work being an integral part of the Walt Disney Company’s culture – and with thousands of families and individuals affected by the Los Angeles area fires – Disney VoluntEARS were more than happy to step in and aid the relief efforts in any way they could.
D’Amaro went on to say that “for kids who have gone through a situation like this, where maybe they’ve lost their home and they find themselves in a shelter, to open a Disney bag, to see a Disney plush inside, and to be able to read a Disney book — these are things that warm people’s hearts.”
With so many of the VoluntEARS being native Californians themselves, the chance to give back to their community and support those affected by the Los Angeles area fires felt important to them on a personal level – not only being able to support their neighbors and community members who may have been going through a tough time as a result of losing their homes, but to be able to come together and do so with their friends, family, and coworkers has been a deeply impactful experience.
In addition to the company’s contributions, Disney has reported that over six million dollars in donations was raised as part of ABC News’ SoCal Strong, as they air the American Red Cross wildfire PSA across its subsidiary channels including ABC, ABC Owned TV stations, Freeform, FX, Nat Geo, and Hulu. ABC News recently reported on their nearly 6.5 million dollar fundraising efforts, and the clip from Good Morning America can be found [here] for those looking to keep up-to-date on the relief efforts in California.
Theme Park Shark will continue to cover the Walt Disney Company’s contribution to relief efforts, and the community that has come together as one to take care of those among them most in need during this unprecedented crisis.
