3.09.2006 ET

(CSRwire) Disney Worldwide Outreach's "Season of Compassion," the annual delivery of fun filled care packages to every children's hospital and pediatric wing across the country, was kicked off today by Mickey Mouse who helped to deliver a care package and helped to throw a special party for the hospitalized children at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian in the heart of New York City.

Mickey started special new friendships with children being treated at the hospital, as did Disney VoluntEARS who read to them, provided them with special Mickey plush toys and helped them with fun craft projects. Radio Disney was also on hand to play games with and entertain the crowd.

"Our work with children's hospitals during the Season of Compassion is just one of the many ways in which Disney uses its special magic to make a difference in the lives of children and families when they need it most," said Jody Dreyer, senior vice president, Disney Worldwide Outreach.

Disney's yearly "Season of Compassion" is carried out in cooperation with Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation(R). This year, more than 420 children's hospitals and pediatric wings will receive from DisneyShopping.com a multi-box care package shipment that includes Disney DVDs, games, toys, coloring books, blankets and more. Throughout the year, Child Life Specialists share the items with the children who receive treatment at each hospital, helping to make their hospital stay brighter.

"The Disney care package that is filled with toys, games and DVDs brings families together and brings fun for children during their stay in our hospital," said the hospital's Child Life Director Joan Bompane. "Bringing laughter and activity to children is so important when they are away from the comforts of home."

In addition to Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Disney brightens the lives of children and families through key partnerships with charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R), First Book, Toys for Tots and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

About Disney Worldwide Outreach
Disney Worldwide Outreach is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. In 2005, Disney contributed more than $190 million in cash, in-kind support and public service airtime globally, while Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 442,000 hours to outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.disneyhand.com.

About Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top five children's hospitals in the country, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian offers the best available care in every area of pediatrics -- including the most complex neonatal and critical care, and all areas of pediatric subspecialties -- in a family-friendly and technologically advanced setting. Building a reputation for more than a century as one of the nation's premier children's hospitals, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian is affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and is New York City's only hospital dedicated solely to the care of children and the largest provider of children's health services in the tri-state area with a long-standing commitment to its community. Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian is also a major international referral center, meeting the special needs of children from infancy through adolescence worldwide.

SOURCE Disney Worldwide Outreach
Web Site: http://www.disneyhand.com