LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Stormers will once again host their popular Teddy Bear Toss during Youth Hockey Night, with all collected stuffed animals benefiting pediatric patients at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital’s emergency department.
Fans attending the game against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 6:45 p.m. are encouraged to bring new, non-electronic stuffed animals to Penn Medicine Park. In traditional Teddy Bear Toss fashion, the toys will be thrown onto the field after the Stormers’ first home run—or at the end of the game if no home run is hit. The donations will then be delivered to the hospital to bring comfort to young patients and their families during difficult times.
The initiative is part of a year-round effort led by Lancaster General Hospital emergency department social worker Marcy Mercer, who coordinates donation drives and creates Amazon wish lists to ensure every pediatric patient receives a source of comfort. “The impact has been huge for the pediatric patients we see, their parents and the staff,” Mercer said. “The staff truly enjoys giving (stuffed animals) out and uses them to help make the emergency department experience a little bit easier. I’ve also had so many parents share that well after the ‘emergency,’ the stuffed animal… quickly becomes their favorite for years.”
The event will be part of a packed Youth Hockey Night and Philly Night lineup, featuring a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, youth hockey activities, a hat giveaway to the first 1,000 fans ages 16 and older courtesy of Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, and fireworks presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
Now in their 21st season, the Lancaster Stormers play at Penn Medicine Park, a three-time Best Ballpark winner in MLB Partner League Baseball. The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which the Stormers call home, serves as a recognized gateway to the major leagues and has sent more than 1,400 players to MLB organizations over the past 25 years.
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