Earlier today on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America,” the Orlando family from Castro Valley, California became the first of five finalists in the running to be named the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year!
The Orlandos volunteer at Alameda County Foster Parent Association, Chapter 1 where they organize a clothing closet for children and teenagers entering the foster care system. All of Rendy and Don Orlando’s children were adopted and at one point received a bag of clothing similar to the ones they now help prepare for other children in need. Each of the Orlando children help in the clothing closet, from the 18-year college student who volunteers on her school breaks to the 6-year-old who comes along to help her mom pack the bags. Together the Orlando family truly embodies the spirit of giving back to their community!
The Orlandos were one of thousands of families across the country nominated for the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year contest by schools and nonprofits registered with the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program.
Now five amazing finalist families will be featured on GMA each day this week sharing the stories of their incredible volunteer work, followed by a nationwide online vote starting on Oct. 11 where you will be able to vote for your favorite family!
The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to Walt Disney World where they will be the guests of honor at a special event to celebrate Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school who nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community.
Make sure to tune into GMA every day this week to meet the rest of the incredible Top 5 families and keep visiting the Diz Planet for more updates on the competition and details on how you can vote! You can also join the conversation by sharing your favorite family’s story using #VolunteerTogether.
If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can visit Points of Light to find opportunities in your area or search DIY projects that cover a variety of issue areas. Nonprofits and schools in the U.S. can join the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events.