Hershey Bears Host Record-Setting Teddy Bear Toss

For years, the Hershey Bears have proudly declared that the team has the best fans in the American Hockey League. On Sunday, December 1, 2019, the team's fans proved that once again by donating 45,650 plush items making this season's CommunityAid Teddy Bear Toss game one for the record books - again! Last year, 34,798 items were collected during this annual event. Fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice following the team's first goal of the game which was scored by Christian Djoos in the first period. With an army of more than 200 volunteers and staff members, the teddy bears were counted, sorted and bagged by the start of the third period! 

From miniature stuffed animals to life-sized teddy bears, Bears' fans collected or purchased items that were donated to nearly 40 local and regional organizations. The donated items are given to kids and families in need, making the holidays a bit brighter for them. Several Bears players hand-delivered the stuffed toys to local groups including Hope Lodge, Vista School, and Cocoa Packs. Students at  Milton Hershey School (MHS) also received a visit from Coco, the team mascot. Every elementary student at MHS received a stuffed animal and by the smiles on their faces, love their new friends.

The giving does not stop with the teddy bears. Children's Miracle Network at Penn State Children's Hospital (CMN) benefits with monetary donations based on the number of items collected. CommunityAid donates 25 cents per stuffed animal and a long-time Bears club seat holder donates $1 per item collected. CMN Miracle Child Owen was on-hand to throw a few bears, enjoy the game and thank fans for their contributions and support. The Hershey Bears thank the fans, too, as well as the volunteers and team members who made this Hershey Bears Cares event possible. We can't wait to see what next year brings!