Earlier this month we announced the Aguirre family from McAllen, Texas as the first ever winners of the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year and now they’ve received another great honor!
At a special celebration on Nov. 11, the City of McAllen recognized the Aguirre family for giving back to the community through their volunteer organization, Emily’s Meals, and issued a proclamation officially declaring Feb. 18 as Emily’s Meals Day!
On behalf of the Mayor of the City of McAllen, this proclamation commemorated the family for their generosity by forever making Emily’s Meals a part of the town history.
The Aguirre family started their organization after daughter Emily asked how they could help homeless people in their community. What started out as a small family volunteer project has now grown to a volunteer group of more than 100 people delivering 40 meals a day to people in need.
The Aguirres were one of thousands of families who were nominated for the Disney and Point of Light Volunteer Family of the Year competition and, after a nationwide vote, were surprised live on ABC’s Good Morning America with a dream trip to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23. They also won $10,000 for their nominating nonprofit, Juan Diego Academy. However, when Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek heard about the work this family does each and every day, he surprised the family and added a $10,000 additional donation to Emily’s Meals.
“We believe in the power of volunteerism and the ability of one person—or one family—to make a difference in their community and change the world,” Chapek said. “The Aguirres are a fantastic family, and show how the joy of giving back can help create a national movement of volunteerism.”
For more information on how Disney is celebrating Family Volunteer Day around the world and how you can join in the fun, visit Diz Planet next Monday, Nov. 18 for all the details!The Aguirres are an incredible example of the power of family volunteering. Find out how you can get involved in family volunteering by visiting Points of Light. To learn more about how your nonprofit or school can earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events, check out the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program.