Fans Become Honorary Disney VoluntEARS at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

As honorary Disney VoluntEARS, Disney fans impacted thousands of U.S. military service members, children, and families throughout the three-day event.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and innovation from across the worlds of Disney, including Disney’s work to create a positive impact through community outreach and volunteer service.  

The Disney VoluntEARS Experience at D23 showcased the company’s commitment to delivering happiness, joy and magic when it’s needed most through engaging visuals and interactive elements. Fans who visited the experience, in addition to learning about Disney’s social impact work, were given the opportunity to become honorary Disney VoluntEARS and make a difference for U.S. military service members serving abroad, children in local under-resourced schools and families facing food insecurity in Orange County. 

What is Disney VoluntEARS? 

The Disney VoluntEARS program encourages employees across the globe to donate their time and talents to make a positive impact in their communities and help deliver happiness, joy and magic when it’s needed most.  

In 1983, Disneyland Resort cast members formed the first iteration of Disney VoluntEARS to provide meaningful service to the community through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations. The success of this organization led to a company-wide launch of Disney VoluntEARS in 1992. With the program’s roots in Anaheim, California, it was only fitting to bring the magic of Disney VoluntEARS to the Anaheim Convention Center at D23. 

D23 Fans Assemble USO Care Packages for U.S. Service Members 

On the first day of D23, Disney fans visiting the Disney VoluntEARS Experience assembled care packages for active-duty service members. Through the USO (United Service Organizations), the 7,000 assembled care packages will bring a reminder of home to service members stationed around the world.

Disney supports U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families in many ways across the company including charitable giving to nonprofits and workforce development programs such as Heroes Work Here, Veterans Institute, Heroes Supply Here and more. To learn more about Disney’s support for veterans and military families, please visit impact.disney.com. 

D23 Fans Assemble Reading Kits for Children 

Saturday’s activation was dedicated to First Book, a nonprofit that focuses on removing barriers to education by providing books and resources. Disney VoluntEARS assembled about 7,000 reading kits for children in under–resourced schools and programs.

Disney’s relationship with First Book is part of the company’s broader commitment to inspiring the next generation of storytellers and innovators through Disney Future Storytellers. 

D23 Fans Assemble Snack Packs for Families 

Disney fans worked alongside Disney VoluntEARS on Sunday to assemble snack packs for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Orange County, California. The 7,500 snack packs created will be distributed through Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, which provides dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health. 

The Walt Disney Company has supported nonprofits working to improve access to nutritious meals for over a decade. This support includes providing funding to food banks to build capacity and distribute fresh produce within communities that need it most. 

In total, Disney fans impacted an estimated 21,000 individuals and families over the course of the three-day event. To join D23 attendees in learning more about how Disney delivers happiness, joy and magic when it’s needed most, please visit impact.disney.com.