Disney VoluntEARS Show Character in Central Florida

Disney's outstanding commitment to the communities of Central Florida not only brings magic to families through the Disney Parks and Resorts but through a vast array of charitable giving programs and Disney VoluntEARS. The Cast Members are truly the ones who bring the magic home and in 2012, Disney Cast Members dubbed "VoluntEARS" gave upwards of 216,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians. Nearly 700 of those Walt Disney World VoluntEARS went so far above and beyond that they received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the White House for contributing more than 100 hours of service.

VoluntEARS Have Fun Supporting Their Community

In 2012 Disney VoluntEARS donated a total of $837,750 to 455 local non-profit agencies and community service groups through Disney's "EARS To You" program. This program recognizes Cast Members and Imagineers for their VoluntEAR service through a contribution of up to $1,000 to the eligible charity of their choice. Disney annually recognizes a VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEAR Team of the Year with $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice.

VoluntEARS Clean Up the Florida Coast

Here are just a few of the ways that Disney's VoluntEARS have made a difference:

• 86 tons of soap and bottled amenities to Clean the World, not only diverting that waste from landfills, but providing useful products for those in need.
• Raising more than $3.7 million through events such as the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon supporting literacy classes for grades K-12 in Orange and Osceola Counties.
• Collecting more than 35,000 toys and 7,000 volunteer hours for Central Florida Toys for Tots.
• Cleaning up over one ton of debris from Brevard County beaches.
• Conducted an annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, last year donating an all-time high of more than 3.1 million school supplies.

VoluntEARS Work Toys For Tots

We love celebrating the perseverance and commitment that Walt Disney World, and it's fabulous Cast Members have for Central Florida and the communities within it. Not only is our favorite company and it's employees dedicated to bringing it's guests a magical vacation experience, but they understand the importance of creating a sustainable region to operate in.

There are so many fantastic ways to share the magic. Does the commitment to community that Disney exemplifies inspire you? Leave a comment and share with us how you give back.