All Hands on Deck for Back-to-School

Walk into any store this time of year, and you are likely to hear the sounds of excited kids going through racks of school supplies trying to find that perfect backpack, notebook or eraser. Yes, back-to-school season is once again upon us!

Every child should be able to start the first day of school feeling confident they have the tools they need to succeed. But for many, basic school supplies are considered a luxury.

To help make sure children in our local homeport community near Port Canaveral get off to a good start, Disney Cruise Line teamed up with the Brevard School Foundation Supply Zone for Teachers to participate in the 15th annual "Back to School Giveaway Event." This week-long campaign provided more than 2,000 deserving children with new back-to-school essentials.

"This event wouldn't be possible without our community partners," said Elizabeth Schreiber, Program Manager at the Supply Zone for Teachers. "We need volunteers who can help us pack these backpacks, pack the lunches and man the tables on the day of the event. And, thanks to Disney Cruise Line, we are able to accomplish this."

Over the course of two days, crew members from the Disney Dream and cast members from our Port Canaveral team volunteered their time to sort thousands of school supplies and prepare student lunches leading up to the Supply Zone for Teacher's main event.

Cindy Todisco, Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Coordinator shared that she regularly participates in Disney VoluntEARS activities, but this particular event was very personal to her since she has school-aged grandchildren. "For me, this is a way to give back for everything that my children received in school," said Cindy.

As children and families filed into the school gym to collect their supplies this past Saturday, crew members from the Disney Fantasy were on hand to staff a library section – a special new addition to the event this year. The crew members shared their own love for reading by helping the children select books that they could take home.

This is just one of many ways Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members support the Supply Zone for Teachers. Disney VoluntEARS regularly assist the organization with operational needs, ensuring both teachers and students in Brevard County are set up for success, not just during the back to school season, but all year long.