DU’s Teddy Bear Toss Ignites Together for Colorado Toy Drive
The University of Denver (DU) Athletics has launched its annual “Teddy Bear Toss” to kick off the Together for Colorado Toy Drive, a heartwarming initiative partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. For the next five weeks, this campaign will collect new, unwrapped toys for local children, bringing holiday cheer to families across our community.
A Night of Giving at Magness Arena
The festive toy drive officially began on Friday, November 17, 2025, at the Pioneers hockey game at Magness Arena, where DU faced off against Colorado College. During the first intermission, fans participated in DU’s cherished “Teddy Bear Toss,” showering the ice with hundreds of stuffed animals in a spectacular display of generosity.
Community Spirit on Display
The event was a special occasion for many, including Boys & Girls Clubs members who were invited to help the DU Cheer Squad gather the donated toys from the ice. One young member, Keiling, expressed her amazement, “I was surprised there was so much.” Another member, Joey, shared his excitement: “It was cool to know that a lot of people came to throw bears. It was cold for sure, but it was cool to know that my family was watching me out there.” For Joey, it was also his first time attending a hockey game in person, making the experience even more memorable.
The athletic department also ensured that club members and their families received tickets to watch the game, providing a unique opportunity for many to experience live hockey. This type of outing exemplifies the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s mission to open doors to new experiences and allow kids the chance to simply be kids.
How Denver Locals Can Support the Toy Drive
The Together for Colorado Toy Drive continues to collect donations through the holiday season. Here’s how you can contribute and make a difference for children in our community:
- Athletic Event Collections: Toy collection bins are available at all home University of Denver athletic events.
- Cheer Squad’s Shop ‘n’ Drop: Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6, when the DU Cheer Squad will hold its annual Shop ‘n’ Drop collection.
- King Soopers Donations: You can also make a donation at any participating King Soopers store. A full list of these locations can typically be found on the CBS News Colorado website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Teddy Bear Toss”?
The “Teddy Bear Toss” is an annual event where fans throw new, unwrapped stuffed animals onto the ice during a DU Pioneers hockey game, collecting them for charity. - Who benefits from the Together for Colorado Toy Drive?
The toy drive collects new, unwrapped toys for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. - How long will the toy drive run?
The campaign will collect toys for five weeks throughout the holiday season following its launch on November 17, 2025. - Where can I donate toys for the drive?
Donations can be made at University of Denver home athletic events, the Cheer Squad’s Shop ‘n’ Drop on December 6, and participating King Soopers stores. - What was the main event that kicked off the drive?
The drive kicked off with the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” at a DU Pioneers hockey game against Colorado College on November 17, 2025.
Your participation in the Together for Colorado Toy Drive ensures that local children experience the joy of the holidays, opening doors to new experiences and simply letting kids be kids.
DU Teddy Bear Toss Ignites Together for Colorado Toy Drive
