The annual Teddy Bear Toss, a collection drive for local charities, took place again this year, but with a twist. Instead of fans throwing donated stuffed animals onto the court or rink, they were dropped off at two sporting events this past weekend.
Members of the Notre Dame hockey team were on hand Dec. 8 to collect stuffed animals to be placed in the seats at the Compton Family Ice Arena for the Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 games versus Ohio State. Fans donated 10 bins full of stuffed animals.
Notre Dame women’s basketball team fans were greeted by Niele Ivey, head coach, Carol Owens, associate head coach, and Michaela Mabrey, assistant coach Dec. 10 at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center as they dropped off their teddy bears and other stuffed animals. More than 100 people donated 18 bins of stuffed animals. Without the public in attendance (other than coaches’ and players’ guests), the stuffed animals had prime seating at the Notre Dame/Georgia Tech game Dec. 13.
The stuffed animals collected from both events will be donated to Saint Joseph Health System’s local charities.