WASHINGTON – DisneyHand, the worldwide outreach program for The Walt Disney Company, is donating “Operation DisneyHand” care packages to the nearly 117 USO centers worldwide in celebration of Independence Day. The care packages contain an assortment of Disney products including videos, DVDs, books, games, magazine subscriptions and Mickey Mouse TV and DVD players to entertain children and families visiting the USO centers.
“We are very thankful for the generous donation from The Walt Disney Company, one of our most recognized World Partners,” said USO World Headquarters president and CEO Edward A. Powell. “Independence Day is an opportune time to reflect on our freedoms and to give thanks to our military men and women for their service and selfless duty. These care packages filled with a variety of wonderful items are sure to be appreciated at USO centers around the world,” he added.
DisneyHand recently kicked off the holiday celebration with the Disney VoluntEARS painting and enhancing a new children’s Disney theme playroom at the Downtown San Diego USO center. More than 100 military family members participated on June 26 in games and crafts, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse entertained guests and Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” read her favorite stories to the children.
Beginning July 2 and continuing through the 4th of July holiday, USO centers in Arlington, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio and San Diego will receive a special screening of the new Walt Disney Pictures movie, “America’s Heart and Soul.” The movie is a celebration of a nation told by the voices of its people. “America’s Heart and Soul” is an inspiring and emotional journey capturing the unparalleled beauty of the land and incomparable spirit of ordinary Americans telling their extraordinary stories through their values, passions and dreams.
About the USO
For 63 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has brought a touch of home to America’s military personnel. The USO is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization and is not a government agency. The USO is supported by World Partners Amazon.com, AAHOA, AT&T, BAE SYSTEMS, Bass Pro Shops, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Clear Channel Worldwide, Coca-Cola, ESPN, Lockheed Martin, Morgan Stanley, Northwest Airlines, Ray-Ban, Reader’s Digest, Sara Lee, S & K Sales Company, True.com, Ty, Inc., USAA Foundation and The Walt Disney Company. Other corporate donors, including Walgreens and the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at www.uso.org.
About DisneyHand and The Walt Disney Company
DisneyHand is the worldwide outreach program for The Walt Disney Company, encompassing all charitable and philanthropic projects and programs. DisneyHand is dedicated to making the dreams of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of learning, compassion, the arts and the environment. The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified, international family entertainment and media enterprise which includes Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Studios, ABC, Inc., ESPN, Disney Channel, Disney Store, television and radio stations and Internet web sites. For more information on DisneyHand’s outreach initiatives, please visit www.DisneyHand.com.
About “America’s Heart and Soul”
Starting July 2nd, in select theatres nationwide. America is a vast country – three thousand miles from end to end. But it’s not the land that makes America so special – it’s the people. Filmmaker Louis Schwarzberg packed up his camera and hit the road, with a goal of capturing both the unparalleled beauty of the land and the incomparable spirit of the people. Through his movie, “America’s Heart and Soul,” you will have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Louis’s gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams, and passion in an awe-inspiring journey that reveals the stories – unusual, captivating, inspiring and emotional – that make us into something more than a collection of individuals. “America’s Heart and Soul” is a celebration of a nation told through the voices of its people. To view the trailer, or to find a theatre near you, go to www.americasheartandsoul.com. To order advance tickets, call 1-888-Disney6!
About Disney VoluntEARS
The Disney VoluntEARS program has developed opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time, expertise and effort to make a positive impact on the community in more than 200 cities, 47 states and 24 countries on six continents since its inception in 1992. In 2003, Disney VoluntEARS around the world participated in 1,050 projects and programs and contributed in excess of 400,000 community service hours, filling 67,328 volunteer opportunities.