Disney Cast Members Donate 1 Million School Supplies to Florida Classrooms

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As students and teachers across Central Florida head back into the classroom, Walt Disney World cast members are helping them start the school year off strong through Disney’s Back-to-School Supply Drive supporting A Gift For Teaching.

This summertime event is a cast-favorite annual tradition, and this year, Walt Disney World cast members collected more than 155,000 school supplies for local teachers and students. With this recent collection, Disney has donated more than 1 million school supplies in the last decade through this supply drive.

Partnering Together to Support Education

These items will help stock classrooms and equip students and teachers in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, and Polk counties. More than 100 Disney VoluntEARS gathered on Thursday to count and sort through donations.

“We’re committed to removing barriers to learning by ensuring teachers and students have free access to the supplies they need to succeed,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift For Teaching. “These donated supplies represent a student walking into school prepared to learn and a teacher feeling supported by their community. We’re grateful for Walt Disney World’s longstanding support of our mission and for the generosity of its cast members, who help make a difference through this supply drive year after year.”

Supporting education is an important part of Walt Disney World’s commitment to Central Florida. Since A Gift For Teaching was founded nearly 30 years ago, Disney has been one of the nonprofit’s largest and longest-standing supporters, helping provide local teachers, students and schools with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared and confident. That’s why Disney’s Back-to-School Drive means so much to us,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “Year after year, our cast comes together to support local students and teachers because we know that having the right tools can make a real difference in the classroom. Investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways we can help strengthen our community and inspire the next generation to dream big.”

Investing in Students Across Central Florida

The supply drive is just one of the many ways Disney supports local education efforts. At the start of summer, Disney invested $1.3 million into education programs across Central Florida. The donation benefited all five local school districts and organizations that support education. Disney also makes a difference throughout the school year by providing monetary and in-kind donations, meaningful development opportunities, and volunteer support across the region.

Every notebook, pencil, and school supply collected by Disney cast members this summer will soon make its way into local classrooms, assisting educators, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators across Central Florida.

The post Disney Cast Members Donate 1 Million School Supplies to Florida Classrooms appeared first on Disney Experiences.

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