10th annual Toys for Tots event has new twists

Reading, PA – The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies are teaming up for the 10th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 18 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For the first time in the event’s history it is being held in November and a live band will perform. A civilian 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 in the Tri-State Area, 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 coffee, 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 11:30 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 Screwball, Quack, Bucky, Change-Up and Blooper will also appear throughout the day. 

The Eastern PA Toy Run, a motorcycle and Jeep 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 in the morning. For more information on the Eastern PA Toy Run please contact Classic Harley-Davidson at 610-916-7777. 

The Reading Phillies souvenir stand will be open for holiday shopping featuring merchandise with the Reading Phillies new logo, set to be unveiled on November 14. Toys for Tots will be the general public’s first chance to see the team’s new look in person. A special presentation of the new look will take place at 11 AM. The souvenir 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 November 6, 2007