Disney VoluntEARS Assemble Hundreds of Comfort Kits for Kids Impacted by …

Last week, Disney VoluntEARS quickly mobilized to assemble hundreds of Disney-themed comfort kits and care packages for kids staying in American Red Cross shelters in response to the tragic wildfires impacting the Los Angeles area.

Disney VoluntEARS put together the comfort kits, including coloring and activity books, plush, and more provided by the Disney Experiences team. VoluntEARS also packed boxes of new items including books, chairs, games, blankets, and more to help fill the kid's space in 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, 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."

Additionally, Disney is working with the American Red Cross to identify other ways to bring a little bit of happiness to the kids and families staying in shelters, including potential Disney movie screenings.

"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."

Mobilizing for a Cause

With so many children and families displaced as a result of the wildfires, Disney teams have been dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations serving the local community and employees in Southern California.

"The Disney VoluntEARS came together at a moment's notice to help us compile these comfort kits and care packages," Karen Kawanami, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disney Experiences, said. "They care so much about the communities and the nonprofits that Disney works with."

Volunteering is an important part of The Walt Disney Company's culture, and with thousands impacted by the Los Angeles area fires - including Disney Cast Members, employees, and their families - the Disney VoluntEARS leapt into action.

"This is really part of the DNA of our company," John Breckow, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disney Experiences, said. "Our employee base has such a strong sense of community, of giving back. Frankly, that's why I work here."

Calling it "an all-hands-on-deck moment for Disney," Breckow said it was a company-wide effort to gather everything required to fill the comfort kits and care packages.

"We have VoluntEARS from everywhere, but we've also got items from everywhere. We have Mickey Krispie treats from Disneyland, and we have coloring books from Disney Consumer Products," he said.

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."

Investing in Each Other

For many of the Disney VoluntEARS assembling comfort kits and care packages for the American Red Cross, the event felt especially personal. Being able to give back during such a difficult time - and to do so with colleagues and friends - also reaffirmed a sense of community and pride among the Disney VoluntEARS.

"We are headquartered here; this is our home," Breckow said. "When you live in Los Angeles, you take care of Los Angeles. I'm so proud to see how we here at Disney rally in a moment like this."

VoluntEARS efforts like this are just one way that Disney is offering support to its community and employees impacted by the tragic event.

Earlier this month the company announced it is committing $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts in the area - including funding for the American Red Cross, an organization that Disney has supported for decades. Disney recently opened its wardrobe warehouse to help support employees, production crews, and their families who lost their homes and Good Morning America announced on Friday that more than $6 million was raised as part of ABC News' SoCal Strong. Disney is also airing the American Red Cross wildfire PSA across ABC, ABC Owned TV stations, Freeform, FX, Nat Geo, and Hulu.

For more information on the company's social responsibility efforts, visit impact.disney.com.

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