11th annual Toys for Tots event set for Nov. 2

Reading, PA – The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies are teaming up for the 11th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 2 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. A live band will perform and a vehicle convoy, blood mobile and much more will also be part of the event.

The right field food court will be the focal point of the day’s festivities, as the Marines will collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts to be distributed in time for the holidays to less fortunate children, including the Children’s Home of Reading.

Among the highlights of the day will be the annual appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, hot dogs and soda. The stadium will be decorated in traditional holiday style and seasonal music will be played over the sound system until 11:00 when live music will be performed by “Axis”. For fans interested in donating more than toys the Miller-Keystone Blood Mobile will also be open at 10:30 AM (no appointment needed). Reading Phillies mascots will also appear throughout the day. 

The Eastern PA Toy Run, a motorcycle, Jeep and military vehicle convoy that will gather at Classic Harley-Davidson on RT 183 in Bern Township, will also be arriving during the event. All bikes are welcome in the Toy Run. Riders must have a toy to participate but no stuffed animals please (stuffed animals may be donated, just not via the Toy Run). Staging, with complimentary coffee and donuts thanks to Redner’s Warehouse Markets, takes place at Classic Harley-Davidson at 9:00 AM. The convoy departs for the stadium at 10:00 AM. For more information on the Eastern PA Toy Run please contact Classic Harley-Davidson at 610-916-7777. 

The Reading Phillies will open a souvenir stand in the food court for fans to get a head start on holiday shopping. The stand will also feature several “buy one get one” items for fans to donate to Toys for Tots on the spot.

For fans wanting to purchase season tickets and mini-plans, the Phillies ticket office will also be open. 

The event is made possible by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Rock Hits Y-102, Classic Harley-Davidson, Goodman Vending, Stroehmann/Maier’s, Van Bennett Foods, Berks Packing and Pepsi. 

This story was posted on October 15, 2008