Disney has announced how they are supporting two child-focused programs this holiday season. First, they are giving support valued at more than $2 million to Make-A-Wish International and its network of affiliates to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world.
Also in support of Make-A-Wish, Disney has released a sequel to last year’s holiday short film, “Lola,” titled “The Stepdad.” Watch it below.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Gregory Porter performs “Love Runs Deeper,” penned exclusively for the spot. It is available for download wherever you get your music. “The lyrics of the track are so powerful,” Porter said, “and underline that behind everything there is love.”
Viewers may catch some special easter eggs, including Lola’s original Mickey Mouse toy from last year’s advert (one of ten Hidden Mickeys that can be found in the film) and two very special drawings by Make-A-Wish kids – one of which comes from 13-year-old Dylan whose picture of a cheetah can be seen on the family’s fridge. Dylan’s wish to be an animator was granted by Flux Animation Studios, who developed “The Stepdad.”
The Minnie Mouse plush and holiday notebook featured in the film are available on shopDisney.com.
Today on “Good Morning America,” Disney kicked off the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive with a $500,000 donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Program to provide toys to children and inspire hope where it’s needed most this holiday season.
Guests can be a part of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive now through this December 14 by donating a toy online to Toys for Tots at shopDisney.com or by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort (collection bins are located at the World of Disney store, Star Wars Trading Post, and Resort Hotel stores) or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World (collection bins are at World of Disney, Marketplace Co-Op, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and Disney Springs Welcome Center).
Disney teams across the company will celebrate the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive in their special ways and have hinted at something connected to the “Hawkeye” premiere.
Here at WDWNT, we will be holding our annual marathon show to benefit Toys for Tots later this month. Stay tuned for details!
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