The annual Disneyland Resort Toys for Tots Drive is a longstanding tradition of The Walt Disney Company, dating back to the inception of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ program in 1948 and Walt Disney’s original logo design for Toys for Tots. For the past two years, I have had the privilege of managing the drive, which this year brought in nearly 8,000 toy donations from Disneyland Resort cast members, guests and the community.
As the coordinator for this initiative each year, I manage the collection, pick up and distribution of all toy donations from around the Resort. With the help of members from the U.S. Marines, Anaheim Fire and Rescue teams and Disney VoluntEARS, I also plan cast member drives, which are hosted by Disneyland Resort leaders. After our two-week drive concludes, we count the toys (yes, all of them!) and present the donation to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
My involvement in the Toys for Tots Drive continues to be incredibly rewarding. Seeing dedicated cast and community members come together with a common goal truly represents the magic of the holiday season, and I am honored to share the joy with so many.
Jen Holst
Community Relations Representative