Disney VoluntEARS Spread Holiday Cheer through Donation of 36,000 Toys to Toys for Tots Campaign

Walt Disney World Resort cast members have been working harder than Santa's elves to make the holidays magical for families in Central Florida.

More than 36,000 toys have been collected by cast member VoluntEARS have collected and the new toys were donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to benefit kids in Orange and Seminole counties.

The VoluntEARS have also given more than 6,000 volunteer hours helping sort and pack the toys and helping the Marines register families for the annual giving campaign.

The annual toy drive also received $200,000 from The Walt Disney Company as part of the company's continuing support to the organization. Disney's support for the organization dates back to 1947 when Walt Disney designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still in use today.

George A. Kalogridis, president of the Walt Disney World Resort presented a $30,000 gift to the Community Hope Center of Osceola County at a special performance of the Candlelight Processional. The gift will help the organization provide services to its clients who are homeless or facing homelessness.

"Through these combined efforts, we hope thousands of children in Central Florida will be surprised by at least one present during the holidays," said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. "We also hope that by giving their own time, Cast Members will inspire their children, family members and friends to remember kids of all ages during this season of sharing."

Click here to see a special video of Disney VoluntEARS and their families supporting Toys for Tots.

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