FORT SMITH, Ark. — An annual tradition on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) campus is back this year.
For years fans at one men's basketball game got to throw stuffed animals onto the court during the game. The tradition went away four years ago but this Tuesday, Nov. 21, it's coming back.
It's a scene you won't find at your ordinary college basketball game. At this game, there is no admission charge. To attend the game, fans only have to bring stuffed toys.
After the first points are scored, the audience can throw the stuffed toys onto the basketball court from the bleachers.
Head Coach, Zane Gibson says this is all an effort to help kids in the River Valley.
"The Toy Toss is designed to help give Christmases to young boys and girls in the River Valley," said Coach Gibson. "All those toys that are collected that night will be donated to Ronald McDonald House, Boys and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army Fort Smith," said Coach Gibson.
Reagan Heppner with the United Way of Fort Smith Area says they are thrilled to be able to once again work with UAFS.
"They have an incredible staff over there that are so passionate about community service. And this event, you know, is their baby," said Heppner.
As for the event itself, Coach Gibson says once he was named the head coach last year, bringing the event back was at the top of his list right behind recruiting.
"Obviously, logistically didn't know if we would be able to get it going in year one. But thankfully, I've had a lot of support throughout the administration, both on the athletic side and across the street of the academic side. And it's allowed us to put it all together in year one."
Coach Gibson says his players are getting pumped for this game because the crowd is so fired up.
"It's something that people in this community take pride in and if they can only make it to one game during the whole season, they make it a point to be there for the Toy Toss game. So I think our guys will get more excited the closer we get," said Coach Gibson. It's just a blast, the energy that is in the room is just unmatched. And at UAFS the basketball team is so passionate about this, the Student Activities Office, they're just so excited to invite members and students alike to participate in an event together to kind of have just a moment of unity giving kids free toys."
The Toy Toss will be followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m.
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