Mid Michigan College’s Laker Basketball teams partnered with the Central Michigan Area Toys for Tots Chapter to help disadvantaged children this holiday season.
On Wednesday, December 7 the Lakers took on Schoolcraft College’s Ocelots at Morey Courts in Mt. Pleasant and hosted a Teddy Bear Toss event.
Leah Ryckman, local Director for Toys for Tots, shared a short message with all in attendance at halftime during the women’s game, and the Teddy Bear Toss took place at halftime during the men’s game.
Attendees were encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal or toy and ‘toss’ their donation onto the court when prompted. Stuffed animals and toys were also available for purchase at the game and monetary donations were also accepted.
The event collected 100 stuffed animals and toys, and raised $75 for the local Toys For Tots chapter.
“It was great to see so many people join us on this special night and help us give back to our local communities,” noted Ryan Harkrader, Mid Michigan College Athletic Director. “This year’s Teddy Bear Toss was a great event and we look forward to hosting it again next year!”
The Toys For Tots program has throughout its history depended on the support of communities, businesses, and charitable organizations across the country. The local chapter was established in 1988 by SSgt. Richard A. Barz, a lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, and now distributes over 8,000 toys each holiday season to children in Isabella and Clare counties.
For those still interested in contributing to Toys For Tots, they will be accepting donations Thursday, December 15 and December 16 at Central Michigan Youth for Christ located at 808 S Adams St. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. more information, contact Leah Ryckman at ryckmantft@gmail.com.
Mid Michigan College competes in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) against other community colleges for conference and State championships. The Lakers also compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for national tournaments. Mid currently fields teams in the following sports: men's basketball, women's basketball, men's and women's bowling, baseball, softball, bass fishing, and clay target shooting. Additional teams, including cross country, will be added in the future.
For more information about the Teddy Bear Toss event, email athletics@midmich.edu or call (989) 386-6622 x548.
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