Service of 600,000 volunteers announced during Disney ceremony
2/12/2010
By Cynthia Hobgood
During the "Celebrate Volunteers" event February 11, HandsOn Network and Disney Parks announced a major milestone in the Give A Day. Get A Disney Day. program: 600,000 volunteers have served since Jan. 1. HandsOn and Disney are more than halfway to the original goal of inspiring one million people to volunteer in 2010.
While this first-its-kind program is a celebration of the spirit and power of volunteerism, in the larger spectrum of community involvement, its impact is being felt across the nation.
HandsOn Jacksonville, a HandsOn Network Action Center, reported an overwhelming response in January. Judy Smith, HandsOn Jacksonville President and CEO, wrote in their monthly newsletter:
"In the future, I think we will look at January 2010 as a watershed moment in our history. We can look at the amazing building of our brand through this very intense time of Mouse-capades! Let me give you a little more information to help put what's happening into perspective.
- In December our HOJ-managed projects mobilized about 660 volunteers-a very solid number. In less than three weeks, our January HOJ projects mobilized 3,600 volunteers.
- Our Compassionate Kids Food Drive mobilized three tons of food - equating to over 4,700 full meals.
- Our Disaster Kits 4 Kids projects produced over 800 kits containing over 4,000 items to augment our school and summer camp disaster projects.
- We Believe in Books brought over 4,000 books to augment St. Nick and other school and daycare projects.
- Our Splash of Color art supplies drive produced over 3,600 items."
There's still a wealth of opportunities for both volunteers and organizations through the Give A Day. Get A Disney Day. program.