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The Walt Disney Company announced the launch of its company-wide 2024 Disney Ultimate Toy Drive supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Program, which has helped deliver millions of toys to children in need during the holiday season. Good Morning America (GMA) reported exclusively on the new campaign, highlighting three unsung heroes at Toys for Tots: Sergeant Christos Toromanides, GypC Serna, and Staff Sergeant Xavier Montaie.
Sgt Toromanides, a local Toys for Tots Assistant Coordinator in Ohio, is a survivor of pediatric cancer who was gifted a toy from a Toys for Tots Marine during a hospital stay when he was 13 years old. Serna dedicates her time to supporting local children in need as her local chapter’s Coordinator in Texas, and is the daughter of a World War II veteran who organized toy distributions in her community throughout her childhood. SSgt. Montaie has a full-circle story, as he now leads the local Ohio Toys for Tots chapter that once supported him in his childhood. All three volunteers spend their holidays giving back to their communities by volunteering for Toys for Tots.
As part of its efforts to raise awareness among fans and consumers, Disney is offering additional support to Toys for Tots with a new Disney-produced Public Service Announcement, “Dear Santa.” The PSA features a voiceover from Gina Rodriguez (Will Trent, Not Dead Yet, and Jane the Virgin), a special appearance from a Marine, and one young girl’s journey to share the gift of happiness. It will play in rotation throughout the campaign on Disney’s television networks and streaming platforms including ABC, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, and National Geographic.
“We are proud to continue Walt’s legacy and give the gift of happiness to children and families in need this holiday season with our good friends at Toys for Tots,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s Disney Ultimate Toy Drive promises to be one of the biggest yet as our employees, cast members, and fans across the country continue to serve our communities and bring them together with a little Disney magic.”
“Last year, Disney helped Toys for Tots achieve a record year delivering joy and the magic of the holidays to over 10 million children in need,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Sadly, the need is even greater this year. However, with the generous support from our friends at Disney, their Ultimate Toy Drive will once again propel needed support in communities throughout the U.S. allowing Toys for Tots to fulfill the holiday dreams of our country’s economically disadvantaged children who otherwise might be forgotten.”
How to Participate
Fans and families can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by donating a toy online at DisneyStore.com/ToyDrive now through December 24, 2024, or by donating a new, unwrapped toy in person at a U.S. Disney Store location, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland® Resort, or in select locations at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, now through December 13, 2024.
Toy collections will also take place at Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, California. Visitors to the Cotino Sales Studio can take part by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy during regular business hours.
Toy collections will also be hosted by the ABC Owned Television Stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno, and at in-person film screenings and events.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.disney.com/toydrive.
