2020 was quite a unique year for everyone, including The Walt Disney Company.

All of the Disney theme parks around the world temporarily closed for a period of time, and some have had to shut down again or have remained closed. Things have been tough for those in the community as well with many Cast Members having been furloughed or laid off, and so many dealing with loss due to the pandemic. But, in a time of difficulty, so many have also reached out to help others in need.

When thousands of Disney Cast Members were furloughed or laid off, so many asked how they could help or what Cast Member-run businesses they could support. During the holiday season, many supported organizations that help children or others in need. Disney fans could also give support to others by buying some great merchandise celebrating Disney’s partnership with Make-A-Wish and they could donate toys for Toys for Tots while shopping online or in the parks.

Just a few days ago, Disney released a full video sharing some of the ways in which they gave back to the community and those in need throughout 2020. For starters, Disney donated over 880 tons of food. We know they donated quite a bit during the shutdown to help that food go to those that needed it most rather than just let it go to waste when the parks did not have any visitors.

Disney also donated supplies to healthcare workers including 1,000,000 cloth face coverings in the US and 250,000+ rain ponchos globally and more.

When it came to the holiday season, Disney donated 90,000 toys for Toys for Tots, 650 Thanksgiving meals to those in need around Orlando, 50,000 Christmas ornaments to brighten up 150 French and Belgian hospitals, and, with the support of guest purchases, $720,000 to help grant wishes through Make-A-Wish. Disney World also collaborated with A Gift For Teaching to donate school supplies to local teachers, and gave back in a multitude of other ways.

Check out Disney’s video celebrating the whole year below.

2020 may be over and the holiday season may be coming to a close, but the spirit of giving can continue to live on. There are still many ways you can help those in need — like by supporting food banks who help Disney Cast Members; donating to organizations that can help Cast Members receive the groceries and supplies they need for themselves, their families, and their pets; checking out podcasts and other businesses started by former Cast Members; and by spreading magic to your community no matter where you are.

You can also donate money or volunteer your time at Give Kids the World Village, or even get the Disney license plate, which helps benefit Make-A-Wish.

We’re interested to see what organizations Disney partners with or focuses on this year in terms of their efforts to give back, particularly as all eyes turn to Disney World with its 50th Anniversary approaching. We’ll let you know what we find in terms of future ways to give back or even help Disney give back to others. Stay tuned to DFB for more details!

Disney is also taking steps to help the environment! Check out their ambitious environmental goals for 2030 here!

Have you purchased any Disney merchandise supporting Make-A-Wish this year? Let us know in the comments.