Disney Salutes the Marines: A 250-Year Legacy and Nearly 80 Years of Toys for Tots. As the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary on November 10th, The Walt Disney Company is taking a moment to reflect on a shared heritage of service and a nearly 80-year tradition of supporting the Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots campaign 2025.
The connection between Disney and the U.S. military is foundational, tracing back to the company’s founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney. Roy O. Disney served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, while Walt Disney volunteered as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross.
Their dedication to service instilled a core value within the company that continues today, reflected not only in ongoing support for veterans and military families but also in plans to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army and Navy in 2025.
Art and Service: How Disney Powered the War Effort
During World War II, the Walt Disney Studios played a unique role in supporting the U.S. war effort. Disney artists created over 1,200 custom unit insignias for the Armed Forces, including the iconic U.S. Navy’s ‘Seabee’ character.
But one of Disney’s most enduring contributions to military service came after the war, thanks to a vision from Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. In 1947, Hendricks sought a program to bring holiday joy to children through donated toys. Walt Disney responded with immediate and enthusiastic support.
This creative partnership sparked a decades-long collaboration that has become a beloved holiday tradition.
🚂 The Iconic Red Train: Driving the Toys for Tots Message
When Toys for Tots expanded into a national program in 1948, Walt Disney assigned his studio artists to help drive awareness. The result was the creation of the now-iconic red cartoon train logo, which remains the symbol of the campaign today.
Disney artists have also designed annual campaign posters featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, helping to spread the message of generosity across generations.
The commitment ran deep. When Disneyland opened in 1955, the park instantly became a designated Toys for Tots drop-off location. Today, network and media arms like Disney Channel and ABC continue to provide critical media and messaging support during the holiday season.
Full Steam Ahead: The Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
This legacy of giving remains fully on track. Today, Disney’s primary contribution to the campaign is the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, an initiative dedicated to bringing moments of happiness to children and families in need.
Last year, the campaign broke company records, collecting more than half a million toys, thanks to contributions from The Walt Disney Company, fans, families, and cast members nationwide.
As Disney celebrates the Marine Corps’ 250 years of service, the company’s enduring commitment, inspired by its founders, continues to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families year-round.
More Holiday Cheer from Disney VoluntEARS
Beyond Toys for Tots, Disney is expanding its longstanding relationship with Blue Star Families through a $2.5 million donation to help strengthen military families across the country.
Additionally, Disney’s VoluntEARS are already busy spreading holiday cheer:
- On November 3rd, Walt Disney World VoluntEARS decorated the Fisher House Orlando, a temporary home for families of veterans receiving medical care.
- On November 5th, Disneyland Resort VoluntEARS partnered with the USO to create 2,000 care kits for deployed U.S. military service members.
