NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon today announced the launch of its innovative venture, “Wish on a StAR,” a web-based AR experience. In collaboration with Toys for Tots, Verizon’s new initiative comes just in time for the holiday season and the release of Disney’s epic animated musical comedy, "Wish," only in theaters November 22. The interactive “Wish on a StAR” experience is available today through December 1 and will help make holiday wishes come true for underprivileged children in local communities nationwide.
Crafted by Verizon, “Wish on a StAR” uses the power of AR to help children in need this holiday season. Available in both English and Spanish, participants can access “Wish on a StAR” via a QR code or link from their mobile device, allowing them to select their nearest location to help children in their own community. Users can scan the night sky through their phone, revealing a constellation of stars, each representing the heartfelt holiday wishes of children. By simply tapping on a star, users have the power to make a donation directly to their local Toys for Tots chapter, spreading the joy of the holiday season. In addition to creating an AR experience that helps connect users directly to their local chapters, Verizon will also make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots.
“The ‘Wish on a StAR’ experience goes beyond technology; it's a heartfelt endeavor to brighten the holiday season for children nationwide,” said Kristin McHugh, SVP of Marketing and Creative at Verizon. “We are excited to celebrate Disney’s all-new movie ‘Wish’ and collaborate with Toys for Tots, enabling us to craft an engaging, personalized AR experience that fosters a stronger connection between users and their community, while also helping to transform children’s wishes into a reality this holiday season.”
In addition, in celebration of the theatrical release of Disney’s "Wish" on November 22, customers who made eligible purchases at participating Verizon retail stores between November 11 to November 12 received up to four tickets to an advanced screening of "Wish" on November 18th.
“In celebration of our all-new musical comedy, ‘Wish’, we are thrilled to collaborate with our great partners at Verizon on this innovative and impactful initiative,” said Lylle Breier, EVP of Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy, and Events at Disney.
"We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Verizon as part of the 2023 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign as well as team up with them on this venture," said Lieutenant General James Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "The ‘Wish on a StAR’ AR experience will expand the reach of Toys for Tots enabling us to help make even more wishes come true for children in need this holiday season.”
For more information on “Wish on a StAR” and to participate in the AR experience, please visit https://wishonastar.app/.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive producers—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023.
ABOUT MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS
Toys for Tots, a 76-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to less fortunate children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 291 million less fortunate children. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of less fortunate children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
VERIZON
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
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Media Contact:
Alison Hemmings
Alison.Hemmings@Verizon.com
