Very Dissappointed in Disney

[InstImpres]

I just heard back from Sonia, the General Manager of Disney Vacation Clubs (approx. Disney CM number 10 I spoke with), regarding allowing 2nd Harvest to pick-up member donations. To my amazement they will not allow this, siting a "space problem" for storing non-pershiables for 3 days until the 2nd Harvest Pick-up. There were a multitude of reasons I thought they might consider saying no but this is certainly not one I thought of. I even spoke about a more frequestn pickup to eleviate the problem is was told NO.

I was told there are CM food drives and DVC members can participate if they know about them and turn in their food at the front desk. They are starting one now and it will run until sometime in January. Sonia has agreed to e-mail me in an ongoing way to advise us of the food drives during the year.

On a brighter note - she stated mousekeeper may take home food under the following guidelines: unopened, non-perishable, nonalcholic.

This really makes me question Disney magic

Sandy

 

[floridafam]

I've been keeping an eye on what you were trying to do.

You tried and you should feel good about that.

I thought they would tell you it was for liability reasons or something.

Sorry.

 

[tripletvan]

After Thanksgiving @ BW we called the front desk and they sent up a Bellman who took any left over sealed food we had without a problem. We were happy we were able to donate it as opposed to throwing it away when it was perfectly good.

 

[Chuck S]

Actually, the storage doesn't surprise me as a reason. I don't know about other resorts, but OKW does indeed have very limited storage space in the bellman room. Often on busy days I'll see luggage grouped outside on the walkway.

At least mousekeeping is allowed to use unopened items

It was certainly a wonderful idea to try to use it for a food bank, and at least you tried.

 

[LIFERBABE]

For putting your money where your mouth is and trying.

You did identify some valuable information and it would be great if we could be notified of food drives so that we all could contribute during our stays.

It is also good to know what to leave for CM's.

Thanks Again.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you, Sandy, you tried, and have passed along the information that will help some people. I'll try to remember to always ask if there's a food drive going on.

Bobbi

 

[CarolA]

Actually this is not really a reflection on Disney, but a reflection on what our society has become. I am sorry you are disappointed, but people sue Disney for EVERYTHING and I can see thier concern about dealing with food donations that they do NOT control. I mean all it would take is one bad batch or one idiot who did something stupid to cause Disney and the DVC to get sued for posining someone. There is a whole industry that looks for "deep pockets" to sue.

 

[kathleena]

CarolA you took the words out of my mouth.

It would be like Disney to say "space problem" rather than come right out and say "we don't want to take the risk". You really have to read between the lines and understand they are in a very tough situation with perishables.

Working in the food industry, I would give the same answer. Unopened grocery items - no perishables. For perishables, you take cash donations and give out gift certificates or gift cards.

I would give them the benefit of the doubt here and go easier on them.

Kudos to you for trying to organize something. Don't let this discourage you or sour your opinion.

 

[InstImpres]

CarolA & Kathleena -

I agree with your point about the lawsuits, I had thought of that except we had a large discussion about liability and I was told that isn't the case for two reasons:
-There is a law that covers everyone from this
http://www.secondharvest.org/site_content.asp?s=365

- 2nd Harvest was going to take out an extra policy to protect Disney and specifically name them in case of frivoulus suites.

Also, if they are afraid of liability they shouldn't allow us to add to there food drive.


This obviously will not stop me from going back but I guess gives me a little of a reality check on the world we live in. People often don't take the time to do what they can to help others and often when they do, based on society (not just Disney) it isn't worth the effort. It than tends to have people not want to make the effort in the future.


Sorry to be so cynical
Sandy

 

[canda]

Are there 2nd harvest drop boxes at all the Grocery Stores in Otown? We have them here all year long. Don't give up, A good Idea and great intentions are always struggle to get Companies to see. Disney has their own charities that they work with and it takes time and effort from people like you. If 2nd Harvest will continue to call on Disney then maybe it can happen. But, where I would start next would be at your homeowners meeting. Don't we as owners have a say?


{M.E. has turned WDco into} ...."soul-less"....."leading to the loss of the public trust." Roy E. Disney 12-1-2003

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) There could be another underlying reason.
2) MANY companies do not allow charitable donations.
3) If they allow one, they must allow others.
4) Then, the it is tough to stop granting requests.
5) It is sometimes better just to deny all requests.

 

[princess&tig]

I agree with Disney. You can donate food anywhere. For goodness sake we are on vacation.

 

[jaysue]

Charity stops on vacation

Good try InstImpres, you went the extra mile on this one....

For what it is worth, you helped trigger us to have food bank gifts at DS's recent birthday party which has subsequently triggered two of his friends to have the same gift structure - you bring food for the food bank as the gift

Keep pursuing the high goals in life

thanks
jaysue