2022 GIANT Teddy Bear Toss FAQ's

January 19, 2022

What is the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss?
In a sight that truly must be seen, thousands upon thousands of stuffed animals will come raining down on Saturday evening at Giant Center. The Bears take the ice to battle the Hartford Wolf Pack that evening at 7 p.m., and this world-famous event sees fans throw teddy bears and other stuffed animals onto the ice following the team's first goal of the game. This year's GIANT Teddy Bear Toss marks the 20th game in team history. In 2019, Hershey collected 45,650 plush toys, a world record. The club has collected an estimated 269,858 plush toys since 2001. Last year, the club could not hold the Teddy Bear Toss in its traditional form due to the pandemic but still collected 31,381 plush toys in a drive-thru setting.

How can I get tickets?
Tickets are going fast, so score yours now at the Giant Center Box Office or via Ticketmaster. With our No Fee January offer, buy your tickets online and save on service fees for GIANT Teddy Bear Toss, or any remaining game this season!

Who does the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss benefit?
As part of the club's Hershey Bears Cares initiative, which showcases the philanthropic activities and volunteer efforts of Bears players and staff members throughout the community, teddy bears and stuffed animals are collected and donated to more than 25 local organizations, including Dauphin County Children and Youth, Cocoa Packs, Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg, Palmyra Lions Club, Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area, and Children's Miracle Network Hershey. For the seventh year, the Sweigart Family Foundation will pledge $1 per plush item for all items collected until the 2019 record is achieved. If Hershey Bears fans, widely considered the best fans in the American Hockey League, break the 2019 record by one plush item, the foundation will increase the gift to $50,000.

How do I help donate teddy bears for the game?
You may donate teddy bears and stuffed animals by throwing them onto the ice when the Bears score their first goal! Thousands upon thousands of animals raining down onto the ice is an amazing sight. While we encourage fans to throw all teddy bears onto the ice, if you have too many to bring into the arena with you, there will be a collection truck outside of the Giant Center accepting donations from 4:30 - 7 p.m. on the day of the game.

How many teddy bears and stuffed animals can I bring?
There is no limit on how many teddy bears you can bring. The more the merrier as each donation helps a child in need.

Are trash bags full of teddy bears allowed?
While the Giant Center has a bag policy, a special exception is made for this event specifically for trash bags full of teddy bears. Fans are encouraged to use clear trash bags to assist with the security process. All trash bags full of teddy bears are subject to security check.

I cannot attend the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss. What are my options to participate?
Unfortunately we can only accept donations on the day of the game. From 4:30 - 7 p.m. out front of Giant Center, items can be dropped off with our staff at our collection truck. Non-ticketed guests are welcome to participate in this as well, but please note a $10 parking fee will be required to enter the complex. We are also partnering with Children’s Miracle Network Hershey, and for those who cannot attend, we invite you to donate to support sick and injured children in our community by texting LION to 51555.

I cannot attend the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss but would love to follow along. How can I do so? 
Follow along on Hershey Bears social media with hashtag #TeddyBearTossHershey and #HersheyBearsCares. Saturday’s game will be broadcast in partnership with FOX43. The game will air on Antenna TV, WPMT 43.2, which can be found on Comcast 247, Verizon Fios 463, Blue Ridge Ephrata 91, and Blue Ridge Newberry/Duncannon 88. The game may also be heard across the Highmark Bears Radio Network and viewed on AHLTV.