In collaboration with Blue Star Families, the "largest nonprofit serving and representing military and veteran families," Disney helped create the pair's largest activation to date, a Blue Star Books event at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C..
"For over 100 years, Disney has supported those who serve, and for over a decade, we've enthusiastically partnered with Blue Star Families to bring really meaningful moments that can bring military families together," explained Bill Bailey, SVP of Government Relations at Disney.
At the Blue Star Books event, families could join a story time with Belle from "Beauty and the Beast," or meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse; Sofia the First; and Buzz and Woody from "Toy Story."
As part of the special occasion, Disney VoluntEARS invited children to select from thousands of donated Disney and National Geographic books. Each child also received a Mickey Mouse plush.
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families said, "Hundreds and hundreds of military kids came out today. Each of them got five Disney books to take home for their own libraries."
This year, Disney donated $2.5 million to Blue Star Families to help bring more of these events nationwide. Since 2011, Disney has donated over 370,000 books to the nonprofit.
"The connection between Disney, Blue Star Families and our nation's military and their kids is such a powerful one," added Roth-Douquet.
Disney's history and admiration for the U.S. armed forces began more than 100 years ago with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.