Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The Hershey Bears are set to host their annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss this Sunday (January 4) at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The event, which takes place during the Bears' game against the Rockford IceHogs, begins with a puck drop at 3 p.m. The Teddy Bear Toss is a beloved tradition where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the Bears score their first goal.
Last year, the Bears set a world record by collecting 102,343 stuffed animals. Since the tradition began in 2001, over 566,450 stuffed animals have been donated to more than 60 local and regional organizations, including the Harrisburg School District, Gigi's Playhouse Lancaster, and the Milton Hershey School.
This year, The GIANT Company has pledged a $100,000 donation to the Children's Miracle Network at Golisano Children's Hospital if fans can surpass last year's record. The donation honors the late Jeff Sweigart, a devoted Bears fan and longtime season ticket holder.
Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring new or gently used stuffed animals without battery packs. Those with large donations can drop them off at a collection truck outside the GIANT Center from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast on Antenna TV and can be heard on the GIANT Bears Radio Network. Follow along on social media with hashtags #TeddyBearTossHershey and #HersheyBearsCares.
