Andy’s toys were there for him when he needed them most, and now, Disney is bringing their latest adventure to kids across the globe with visits to children’s hospitals.

‘Toy Story 5’ Brings Magic to Kids Worldwide

Disney and Pixar are taking Toy Story 5 beyond theaters with a new series of charitable initiatives designed to bring the film, its characters, and themed experiences to children and families in hospitals around the world.

The Walt Disney Company shared details of the effort ahead of the theatrical release of Toy Story 5, which arrives in theaters on June 19.

The Company said the new film has helped to center their latest outreach initiative around Toy Story’s 30-year legacy by using Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of Andy’s former toys to help create moments of joy for young patients and their families.

Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President with Disney’s Corporate Social Responsibility group, said of the initiative:

“At Disney, we have so many incredible stories and characters that our guests around the world have a deep emotional connection to. Moments like the release of Toy Story 5 offer an opportunity to turn that connection into hope and joy for kids and their families when they need it most.” 

Early Screenings Coming to Children’s Hospitals

As part of Disney Movie Moments, a program that brings the newest Disney films to children undergoing medical care, Toy Story 5 will be shown at more than 400 children’s hospitals worldwide, including more than 300 hospitals in the United States. Through the program, young patients and their families will be able to watch the new Pixar film while it is still playing in theaters.

The screenings will be accompanied by Toy Story-themed deliveries from Disney Store, as well as hospital gowns inspired by Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear through Disney’s ongoing collaboration with Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Disney has worked with Starlight Children’s Foundation for 25 years, with the partnership focused on bringing themed comfort items, play, and entertainment to children receiving medical care.

Red Carpet Messages Sent to Patients

The initiative began at the Toy Story 5 Los Angeles premiere on June 9 with an interactive “Star Command Message Transmission” experience.

Guests at the premiere, including some of the film’s stars, were invited to write encouraging messages for children in hospitals. Those messages are being shared through select hospital activations, connecting young patients to the excitement of the movie’s red carpet debut.

One of those activations took place June 16 at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Patients and families experienced a Toy Story 5-themed event that included an interactive “Toy Story Imagination Station,” a life-size Lilypad activation, toy giveaways, drawing sessions with Pixar animators, and an exclusive screening of the film. Woody and Jessie also appeared for character meet-and-greets.

Global Hospital Visits and Character Experiences

The campaign is not limited to the United States. In Europe, a Toy Story 5 character tour will visit 10 children’s hospitals across nine countries.

Disney also noted that Toy Story characters are visiting hospitals in Asia, including Shenzhen Children’s Hospital in Mainland China. That visit coincided with the opening of a new Pixar-themed care space and included participation from Disney VoluntEARS from Hong Kong Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company China.

Disney said additional moments from the campaign will continue to be shared in the weeks surrounding the film’s release.

‘Toy Story 5’ in Theaters June 19

Toy Story 5 will release in theaters on June 19. The movie stars returning cast members Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. Greta Lee joins as Lilypad, the tech tablet villain. Other new characters include Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), Atlas (Craig Robinson), and Snappy (Shelby Rabara).

Toy Story 5 merchandise collaborations include pet toys and costumes, Build-A-Bear sets, and Clove shoes. Taylor Swift has a song in the new film called “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which has already broken streaming records.

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