Disney Launches Nationwide Back-to-School Initiative with Nonprofits

August 6, 2025

Disney Launches Nationwide Back-to-School Initiative with Nonprofits featuring spots voiced by Sheryl Lee Ralph!


Back-to-school season is about more than homework and packed lunches—it’s about giving every student and teacher the resources and tools for a joyful and successful start to the year. This new initiative builds on Disney’s legacy of impact, inspiring the next generation of storytellers and innovators, and celebrating teachers and students as they go back to school. Disney has long-standing relationships with First Book and DonorsChoose, supporting their networks of educators and students in low-income communities with mission-critical resources.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Classroom Supplies: Continuing its longtime support of public schools through DonorsChoose, Disney is matching public donations to teacher-posted classroom projects focused on the arts and storytelling in under-resourced schools across all 50 states—delivering vital resources while rallying local communities.

The Genie Transportation Services

Books That Inspire: Thousands of books will be distributed through First Book to low-income communities in every state, adding to the more than 93 million books Disney has donated to the organization since 2000.

VoluntEARS in Action: Disney VoluntEARS will once again lead school supply drives, a tradition of more than 25 years, delivering donations to nonprofits and schools in underserved communities, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

Support for Fire-Impacted Schools: Further building upon Disney’s response to the 2025 LA fires, the company is providing an additional donation to enable teachers in fire-impacted schools to purchase supplies for their classrooms as they return for the start of a new school year.

“Books are the gateway to reading and learning, but millions of children and schools don’t have the books they need,” said Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book. “For the past 25 years, Disney has held hands with First Book to support our mission, and this fall Disney and First Book will help welcome children back to school with brand new books to brighten classrooms and engage young readers. We’re thrilled to invite Disney fans everywhere to join us in bringing the magic of storytelling to children nationwide.”

QUOTE FROM DONORSCHOOSE:
“At school, students can channel their talents and learn how to authentically be themselves. Often, teachers need the resources to encourage them to do just that,” said Alex Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Disney is again showing up for public schools and getting students the art and creative supplies they need to express themselves through their class work and tell their stories. We at DonorsChoose are thankful that Disney is stepping in with this meaningful boost of support in time for the back-to-school season.”

CALL TO ACTION:
Teachers can sign up to request classroom supplies at DonorsChoose.org and educators serving kids in low-income communities can become a First Book member for free.

For more information, visit FirstBook.org/DisneyBackToSchool and DonorsChoose.org/DisneyBackToSchool.

 

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Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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