Virtual Teddy Bear Toss to support local families

SUNY Oswego’s SEFA (State Employees Federated Appeal) campaign and the Oswego State Blueline Club will team up for the first-ever Virtual Teddy Bear Toss to put toys into the hands of local families in need. 

The Teddy Bear Toss has been an annual tradition at Laker hockey games since 2016. This tradition features the Laker faithful tossing stuffed animals on the ice after the Lakers score their first goal. 

Although there will not be hockey games this season, the tradition will go on. The SEFA campaign will continue to collect money and stuffed animals for the United Way of Greater Oswego County and Toys for Tots. 

“Participants also can share our social media posts or make their own post on social media, then tag a couple of friends to challenge them to buy a bear,” said Mark Digby, head coach of the Laker women’s hockey team and coordinator of the Teddy Bear Toss for the SEFA Committee. People also can use the #OzTeddyBearToss hashtag.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, men’s hockey coach Ed Gosek and Digby will welcome “thrown” stuffed animals in the parking lot between the Marano Campus Center arena and Penfield Library for touch-free drop off.

To buy a bear and/or make a donation, visit SEFA’s Teddy Bear Toss website.

For more information on SEFA, visit the campaign's website.