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Hershey Bears Host Recording-Setting Teddy Bear Toss in support of Penn State Children’s Hospital

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! This year’s total beat last year’s record of 34,798 items. Fans tossed 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 LodgeVista School, and Cocoa Packs. Students at  Milton Hershey School (MHS) also received a visit from Coco, the team mascot.

The giving did not stop with teddy bears! Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital (CMN) benefits with monetary donations based on the number of items collected. Community Aid 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. Thank you to Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, the Hershey Bears, the fans, too, as well as the volunteers who made this Hershey Bears Cares event possible. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!