Hockey Fans Throw Teddy Bears on Ice for Charity – Video
Hershey Bears Fans Shower Ice with Charity in Annual Teddy Bear Toss
Hershey, Pennsylvania – In a heartwarming display of generosity, fans of the Hershey Bears American Hockey League team blanketed the ice with 81,796 stuffed animals during the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss on December 9, 2023. The event, a beloved tradition, benefits children in need throughout the local community.
Following the first goal scored by the Bears against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, fans enthusiastically launched their plush toys onto the ice, creating a colorful spectacle. The event is a cornerstone of the Hershey Bears Cares program,the team’s charitable initiative dedicated to supporting the local community.
A Tradition of Giving
The Teddy Bear Toss began in 2001 and has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the Hershey Bears season. This year’s collection brings the total number of stuffed animals donated over the past 23 years to an notable 648,246.
| Year | Stuffed Animals Collected | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | [Data unavailable for 2001] | [Data unavailable for 2001] |
| 2023 | 81,796 | 648,246 |
Volunteers worked swiftly to collect the stuffed animals, ensuring they are cleaned and distributed to organizations serving children facing challenging circumstances. Recipients include hospitals, shelters, and youth programs throughout central Pennsylvania.
The Hershey Bears institution continues to seek ways to expand the reach of the Hershey Bears Cares program, fostering a culture of giving and community involvement. Information on how to support the program and other charitable initiatives can be found on the Hershey Bears Cares website.