It’s not everyday that you see a US Marine on a special mission with a cuddly teddy bear in tow. Such was the sight at Epcot this morning and I’m still smiling from getting a glimpse of it.
Walt Disney World Resort kicked off its annual toy collection drive for Toys for Tots today with a little help from members of the US Marine Corps, Duffy the Disney Bear and his pals Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Disney VoluntEARS created the “Cuddliest Christmas Tree,” a 20-foot-high, 10-foot-wide Christmas tree made of 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears, all of which will be donated to Central Florida Toys for Tots.
Each year, Disney VoluntEARS make the holidays brighter for deserving local children by donating tens of thousands of toys to Toys for Tots.
From now until Dec. 10, Walt Disney World Resort cast members will collect new toys for the Central Florida Toys for Tots drive. Organizers tell me they are seeing a record level of families are registering this year so these donations will make a big difference at time when it’s needed most.
On a side note…did you know that Disney’s involvement with Toys for Tots began more than 60 years ago? In fact, Walt Disney and his animators designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still used today.
The US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation has drop-off sites set up nationwide for the next few weeks to accept toy donations. To find a location near you, visit http://toysfortots.org.
17 Comments
Shannon on November 15th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
That is wonderful! The Duffy tree looks adorable, and what a fantastic donation to a great organization.
Nancy from OH on November 15th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
That is cuddle-tastic! Love it!
Laurie from IA on November 15th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
This so awesome and THANK YOU to all for doing this!
Sara from MN on November 15th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Will this be there for a while? I’d love to see it when we’re there in a couple weeks!
Michelle on November 15th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
What a dream come true for a teddy bear fan like myself! Such an awesome idea and a great cause!
Thank you for sharing the pictures… it’s even better than I could have imagined!
Carol on November 15th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
We are coming to Disney World two weeks from today and I would love to have my grandchildren bring a toy to donate. Do you have collection areas in Disney World to collect toys that guests bring in? How cool would that be, you would collect a ton of toys if guests dropped off one, they could always buy something there and donate it.Thanks
Harry on November 15th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Nice! Are they going to do something of this sort over here at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA?
Diana from NY on November 15th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Very heartwarming to read a story like this as we start the holiday season!
Renee on November 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
That is AWESOME!! I will be there on the 28th. Can’t wait to see it. My husband & Father are retired Air Force, I know that it means very much to all the kids.
Alisha from UT on November 15th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Oh, how neat! What a sweet story. I LOVE it.
Jennifer on November 15th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Christmas Duffy is adoreable. Is he also for sale?
Nancy from FL on November 15th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I bought a Duffy Bear for my new grandson Kayden on Mon., Nov. 8th. When I returned to buy him a sailor suit…..Marketplace was out of stock. Better hurry to get yours before Christmas! The tots will love this soft, sweet bear. I should have got one for myself!
JC from IL on November 16th, 2010 at 12:49 am
That is so fun! What a terrific way to salute and promote the Toys for Tots campaign! I’m going in a few weeks, and I can’t wait to have my picture taken in front of the Duffy tree with my Duffy in hand.
David on November 16th, 2010 at 9:03 am
I have to ask: What happens to this beautiful tree when the weather turns to rain? Can you imagine how soggy and smelly those poor Duffys will become after the first good rain??
Ashley from ON on November 16th, 2010 at 10:50 am
That’s so cute!
John on November 17th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
David — the Duffy Tree was just up for one day. Then, the tree was taken down and all the (nice and dry) Duffys were collected for Toys for Tots.
Ruth on November 19th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I LIKEEE BEATIFUL SO MUCH…
17 Comments