Our friends at Universal Studios Hollywood know a thing or two about scares. But what you may not know is that they are also experts on the “Cares”. As part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual Day of Giving community outreach event, hundreds of employee volunteers gave a day to bring magic to six LA-based non-profit community organizations.

img_0373One of two such days a year, the inspirational “Day of Giving” event is a Universal Studios Hollywood tradition designed to connect employees with diverse community organizations, many of which are beneficiaries of the Discover A Star Foundation whose mission is to empower individuals and families to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
On this 12th “Day of Giving” anniversary, Universal Studios Hollywood will serve as home base for two of the six event locations, hosting Operation School Bell and Habitat for Humanity.

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In support of Operation School Bell, 250 homeless children from over 20 LAUSD elementary and middle schools will be treated to new clothing, sneakers and school supplies, followed by an afternoon of theme park fun that includes a visit to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter TM,”

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The day-long event will also send hundreds of employee volunteers around Los Angeles to help support community-building efforts at the following organizations: AIDS Project L.A. (APLA), where employees will volunteer at the North Hollywood food pantry and help assemble food bags for clients; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where volunteers will visit patients, distribute gifts and assist with arts & crafts; Project Angel Food, where employee volunteers will prepare and package meals for terminally ill clients; and Shane’s Inspiration, where employees will take part in a “play date” with special needs children at a nearby Shane’s Inspiration playground.
Supported by Universal Studios Hollywood, Discover A Star Foundation is committed to making a significant impact in local underserved communities by providing grants to deserving non-profit organizations. Originally founded in 1995, Discover A Star’s mission is to provide financial assistance to neighboring nonprofit groups. To date, Discover A Star Foundation has raised over $8 million and provided financial assistance to over 65 non-profit organizations.

We appreciate Universal’s efforts not only to entertain, but to give back throughout the year.  Thanks you guys! Keep up the good work.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.