On Monday, December 12th, Gentle Giant teamed up with the Boston Bruins at Target for their annual Holiday Toy Drive. The players bought toys for children who are unable to celebrate the holidays at home.
Each player was provided a shopping wish list from hospitals receiving donations. The Boston Bruins’ generosity will provide donations to: Children’s Hospital Boston, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Boston Medical Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. The toys will then be packed and transported to each of the hospitals, courtesy of Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Members of the 2011-12 Boston Bruins roster are donating money from their own pockets, and the Boston Bruins organization will match every dollar the team raises. Last year $20,000 worth of toys were purchased and donated by the players and the organization.
Bruins Hall of Fame player Ray Bourque started the holiday toy shopping tradition when he was captain. Defenseman Hal Gill and forward P.J. Axelsson sustained Bourque’s efforts. For the third consecutive year, Bergeron has taken responsibility for the program, and will coordinate the delivery of the toys on Tuesday, December 20th.
Big thanks to the Boston Bruins, the Boston Bruins Foundation and the NHL for making this event possible.