Steelheads’ Teddy Bear Toss For Tots Returns This Saturday

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps and the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club, host the 21st annual Teddy Bear Toss For Tots on Saturday, Dec. 1 when they host the Jacksonville Icemen at 7:10 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena.

The Teddy Bear Toss For Tots is an annual charity drive held every December in which the Steelheads, their fans and the Boise community gather stuffed animals for Idaho children to make sure that every child receives something special during the holiday season.

After the first Steelheads goal of the game, fans in attendance are encouraged to throw a new or gently-used, unbreakable stuffed or plush toy onto the CenturyLink Arena ice. All toys will be collected by the U.S. Marine Corps and donated to their Toys For Tots campaign.

The annual event has swiftly become one of the most popular charitable events of the season with record numbers set in each of the last three seasons. Last year’s event brought in a record-setting 7,023 toys as well as $5,017.00 in cash largely pushed by stuffed animal sales within the arena by the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club. The toy count easily surpassed the previous record of 5,844 toys set in 2016 and more than doubling the 2015 total of 3,086 toys.

Fans are encouraged to bring their own toys to the rink for the game, however those that do not come with a toy will have the opportunity to purchase one from the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club, who will be selling toys for donation in the lobby of CenturyLink Arena before the game.

“The Teddy Bear Toss For Tots is one of our favorite promotions of the year,” said Steelheads President Eric Trapp. “Every fan can participate by throwing a stuffed animal on the ice and giving joy at Christmas for those less fortunate. We appreciate working with the Idaho Steelheads Boosters Club and the Marine Corps to make this happen in the community.”

“Steelheads fans and boosters are proud to be celebrating our 21st year of this annual event that supplies a large percentage of the goals for our local Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program each year,” said Rocci Johnson, founder of the event of the Booster Club. “From this one event, we are able to provide thousands of toys, along with thousands of dollars in donations from sales to help fill in the gaps for our local kids wherever needed.”

In addition, the Color Guard for the evening’s game will be presented by the U.S. Marine Corps Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, Boise, Idaho. Army Sergeant First Class Krista Fletcher will perform the National Anthem.

The Teddy Bear Toss For Tots is the second of a two-game weekend against the Jacksonville Icemen at CenturyLink Arena. Tickets are available by calling 208-383-0080 or going to IdahoSteelheads.com.

The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:10 p.m. against the Jacksonville Icemen. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale, with full-season packages starting as low as $300 per seat. Contact the Idaho Steelheads at 208-383-0080 for more information or log on to idahosteelheads.com.