Mercy University’s baseball and basketball teams joined forces to spread holiday cheer by hosting a toy drive in support of Toys for Tots on Dec. 9. Instead of charging an admission fee for the basketball game that evening, attendees were encouraged to donate toys or contribute 100 percent of their admission cost to the cause. The event turned out to be a resounding success, bringing together fans, athletes, and the community in the spirit of giving.
The initiative was met with enthusiasm by both fans and athletes. Diego Wirz, a member of the Mercy baseball team, expressed his appreciation for the community’s involvement.
“It was great to see Mercy fans support a charitable cause around the holidays,” he said.
The innovative approach to fundraising not only increased donations but also raised awareness about the toy drive. “It was honestly such a great idea to get more donations and make people more aware of the drive,” added Jack Esposito, another baseball player who helped run the event.
Fans arriving at the game came prepared, with many bringing new toys and others generously donating cash. There was energy and positivity in the room as people came together for a shared mission. Peyton Jemison, also a member of the baseball team, reflected on the experience.
“It was a great feeling when people were genuinely happy and were eager to donate even extra when we told them 100 percent of the money was going to this cause,” he shared.
The funds and toys collected during the drive will go directly to Toys for Tots, a program dedicated to providing holiday gifts to children in need. By leveraging the excitement surrounding the basketball game, Mercy Athletics successfully combined entertainment and philanthropy, creating a memorable evening for all involved.
Events like these showcase the power of community and highlight the generosity of Mercy University’s students, athletes, and fans. The toy drive not only contributed to a worthy cause but also embodied the true spirit of the holiday season: giving, compassion, and togetherness.
