This year DisneyHand, the company's corporate public service function, oversaw several major volunteer and aid initiatives throughout the world, ranging in scope from disaster relief to learning, compassion programs and environmental awareness.

In total, The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries, including ABC, Inc., ESPN, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Internet Group, provided more than $109 million in monetary contributions, in-kind support and public service airtime to a variety of causes and initiatives.

A major focus in 2001 was contributing time, money and resources to help the nation heal after the tragic events of September 11. The Walt Disney Company made a $5 million corporate contribution to the DisneyHand: Survivor Relief Fund, while individual employee donations totaled more than $700,000. All of the donations were earmarked for assistance to the victims' families and organizations to aid in the nation's relief and rebuilding efforts. Also in September, Disney businesses and cast members based in the Los Angeles area teamed up with the Red Cross for events at Dodger Stadium and Edison International Field, home of the Anaheim Angels, which raised nearly $1.1 million. Assisting were on-air personalities and others from KABC-TV, KABC Radio, KLOS Radio, Disneyland Resort, ESPN Radio and Radio Disney.

Local radio and television stations affiliated with Disney collectively raised more than $3.5 million through promotions and on-air fund-raising drives, and Disney Auctions raised $60,000 for The September 11th Fund, which was established by United Way and The New York Community Trust.

An important part of that effort was Disney's initiative with First Lady Laura Bush to reach children and families. Disney worked with Mrs. Bush to create public service announcements to help kids cope with their feelings and emotions about the September 11 attacks. The spots featuring Mrs. Bush aired frequently on ABC and its affiliated stations, as well as Radio Disney. They also launched Disney Channel's "Express Yourself" campaign, which featured celebrities talking about communication, diversity and optimism.

Contributions also included non-cash donations and time. ESPN Zone, ABC, Inc., Disney Stores and Disney Publishing collectively donated tens of thousands of T-shirts to rescue workers in New York, and ESPN Zone restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore provided nearly 3,000 meals to emergency workers.

In the aftermath of September 11, The Walt Disney Company committed its support to the U.S. troops at home and abroad. It has become a USO World Sponsor, supporting outreach and marketing efforts on behalf of the USO and its programs. Disney is providing more than $1 million in financial aid and in-kind support for the USO.

In December, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., and the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., announced a program that offers active U.S. military personnel complimentary admission to Disney theme parks, as well as ticket discounts for their family members and friends. Disney's Armed Forces Salute, honoring American men and women fighting for freedom, is being offered Jan. 1 - April 30, 2002. Active U.S. military personnel, with proper U.S. military identification, are eligible, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists.

Aid this year from The Walt Disney Company extended beyond the September 11 tragedies. In June, the company marshaled its resources to help those affected by torrential floods in Houston. Radio Disney Houston coordinated all of the company's efforts.
Walt Disney World sent linens, sheets, blankets, towels and pillows to Houston. In addition, KTRK-TV, the ABC station in Houston, aired a two-hour town hall meeting and round-the-clock coverage to keep viewers informed. The station also produced public service announcements for the Houston Food Bank.