How Disney’s Disaster Relief Efforts Support Employees and Communities Year-Round

At The Walt Disney Company, supporting our cast members, employees, and communities in times of crisis is a year-round commitment. Through ongoing collaboration with relief organizations, employee-focused programs, and the breadth of our media platforms to spread awareness, Disney ensures it is ready to respond when natural disasters impact the communities where we live and work.

Proactive Planning and Partnerships

Disney’s approach to disaster relief begins long before a storm makes landfall. The company provides annual support to the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program, enabling the organization to mobilize quickly when emergencies occur. As disasters unfold, Disney remains in contact with the Red Cross and monitors its needs. (If you’d like to provide support to the Red Cross, you can go to RedCross.org/Disney to do so.)

Disney also contributes to Feeding America, helping ensure food and water can be delivered to communities facing hunger across the country. (You can support its disaster relief efforts here.)

Supporting Cast Members, Employees, and Guests

When severe weather threatens, the company takes swift action to protect cast members, employees, and guests, which could include temporary closures of Disney Parks and Experiences when necessary. During these times, cast members continue to provide comfort, entertainment and care to Disney Resort hotel guests in impacted areas.

When cast members are directly affected by these events, compassionate support services are extended and may include repair assistance to help restore homes, backup childcare with adjusted work schedules, mental health resources to provide comfort and reassurance, and the distribution of food, water, and ice to meet immediate needs.

Beyond that, Disney matches eligible employee donations to relief organizations and activates the Disney Employee Relief Fund to help our employees recover from times of crisis or personal disaster. Disney’s global security team also conducts wellness checks on employees across all business segments, underscoring the company’s deep commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.

Raising Awareness Through Disney Media Networks

Disney leverages the reach of its media platforms — such as ABC News, Good Morning America, and ESPN — to inform the public, highlight relief efforts, and encourage donations to support community needs. These networks provide real-time coverage of natural disasters and recovery efforts, while also spotlighting the resilience of affected communities, such as the “SoCal Strong” and “Maui Strong” campaigns produced by ABC’s Good Morning America. In fact, each campaign raised around $7 million in donations for relief efforts.

Previously, Good Morning America has featured special segments like “Southeast Strong: Help After Helene” (which raised $4.5 million for relief efforts) and ESPN has integrated Red Cross donation messaging into major sports broadcasts, including Monday Night Football and College GameDay.

Working Hand-in-Hand with Local Communities

In addition to national partnerships, Disney works closely with local nonprofits in Florida and other regions to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. These collaborations help deliver shelter, supplies, and support to communities recovering from natural disasters.

Ahead of hurricane season each year, Walt Disney World donates supplies to nonprofits in Central Florida that aid in recovery efforts to help stock storm shelters with blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. Following a disaster, additional food and supply donations are made to organizations like the Salvation Army’s Florida Division, Hope Partnership, Osceola Council on Aging and other nonprofits supporting individuals and families in need.

In addition, Walt Disney World often serves as a mobilization and vehicle staging center in Orlando for the American Red Cross and other first responders, working with government officials and community leaders to support city, county and business needs.

Disney VoluntEARS also play an integral role in relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts. After severe storms and other natural disasters, VoluntEARS will quickly mobilize to help impacted families and neighboring communities clean up debris, pack disaster relief kits, make and sort through donations for areas in critical need, and more.

Recent Relief Efforts

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the Southeastern United States, and when devastating wildfires spread throughout the greater Los Angeles region, Disney’s preparedness efforts were put into action.

Following the hurricanes in the fall of 2024, Disney donated $3 million to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. Thousands of meals were packaged and delivered by Disney World VoluntEARS to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging. Storm shelter donations like bedding and hygiene products were also made to multiple organizations across Central Florida ahead of hurricane season.

Disney’s media networks amplified relief messaging, with Good Morning America compiling resources for those affected and highlighting organizations such as Caring for Others, Global Empowerment Mission, and Mercy Chefs.

When fires spread across Los Angeles, The Walt Disney Company committed $15 million for relief and rebuilding efforts, supporting vital organizations offering essential services on the ground. The company also helped in ways only Disney can, hosting donation drives, providing assistance to employees through the Disney Employee Relief Fund and housing assistance, and bringing joy to affected families and first responders. Disney’s commitment to the greater Los Angeles region remains strong  as wildfire  recovery continues.

Stay Informed

For ways to stay informed on the latest developments, donate, or get involved in relief efforts, check back at impact.disney.com.