Pennsylvania Hockey Fans Toss 81,796 Stuffed Animals for Kids in Need

There's something magical about watching thousands of stuffed animals rain down from the rafters of a hockey arena, and in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this spectacular scene of generosity has become a beloved annual tradition.

The Hershey Bears, a minor league team in the American Hockey League, held their 25th annual Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. Just three minutes into the game, defenseman Louie Belpedio scored the first goal, triggering an avalanche of 81,796 stuffed animals cascading onto the ice in a colorful display of community compassion.

For nearly an hour, workers joyfully gathered the sea of plush toys scattered across the rink, each one destined to bring comfort to a child in need throughout central Pennsylvania. The Bears announcer captured the moment perfectly, exclaiming, "Sweet cuddly mayhem! It's a sky full of stuffies! It's the Teddy Bear Toss magic in Hershey."

Since the tradition began in 2001, this remarkable event has provided almost 650,000 stuffed animals to less fortunate kids and families. Last year, the team even set a world record by collecting 102,343 plushies in a single game. The impact of this simple yet powerful gesture ripples throughout the region, bringing smiles to children's hospitals, schools, and military families.

Behind this year's impressive haul is a particularly inspiring story. Gabby Kerchner, a high school junior from nearby Mechanicsburg and longtime Bears season ticket holder, was so moved by her first Teddy Bear Toss experience that she decided to take action. Working with her family, she created the nonprofit Gabby's Acts of Kindness specifically to collect donations for this annual event.

"I think about it every day when I wake up. It's just so incredible," Gabby recently shared with local news. Her dedication has paid off beautifully. Since founding her organization, Gabby's group has collected more than 125,000 stuffed animals, with thousands hitting the ice during Sunday's game.

What makes Gabby's story even more touching is her deep understanding of the impact these toys have on recipients. "I definitely think a lot of people don't really understand what that number means. All the places that it goes puts a tear in my eye," she explained.

The Ripple Effect: This week, children across central Pennsylvania received unexpected joy in the form of cuddly new friends. Many of the stuffed animals found homes with students at the nearby Milton Hershey School, while others brought comfort to young patients in children's hospitals and brightened the days of military families throughout the region. Each plushie represents not just a toy, but a tangible reminder that their community cares about them.

Gabby's philosophy beautifully captures the spirit of this event: "Throw kindness around like confetti. You never know what a person's going through. Do something good and you'll get it right back." Her words remind us that acts of generosity, no matter how small they may seem, create waves of positivity that extend far beyond what we can see.

The Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss proves that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, the results can be truly extraordinary. From excited fans in the stands to dedicated volunteers like Gabby, everyone plays a part in spreading joy to those who need it most.