The holiday spirit took flight in Somerset County this December as JAG Physical Therapy and Princeton Athletics concluded their annual “Teddy Bear Toss” initiative. The charitable campaign resulted in more than 500 stuffed animals being donated to local children enrolled in the Greater Somerset County YMCA’s youth development and childcare programs.
The event, which has grown into a highly anticipated tradition since its inception in 2021, leverages the excitement of live sports to provide toys for families, particularly those within the YMCA’s financial assistance programs.
The donations were collected during a series of four high-profile Princeton Men’s and Women’s Hockey and Basketball games. At these designated games, fans were encouraged to bring new stuffed animals and, in a dramatic display of community support, “toss” them onto the court or ice immediately following the Tigers’ first goal or basket.
“Each year, our fans look forward to our Teddy Bear Toss games, and the excitement builds ahead of each event,” John Mack, Ford Family director of Athletics for Princeton. “The pure joy in the faces of our fans, young and old, as they participate is evident each night.”
For the Greater Somerset County YMCA, the donation goes beyond just toys; it represents a commitment to the well-being of the region’s youth. The stuffed animals were distributed to children in various programs designed to help them reach their full potential.
John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, expressed the firm’s dedication to the cause: “It is of great honor for the entire JAG Physical Therapy team and myself to bring holiday joy, increased opportunities, and support to local children through another successful Teddy Bear Toss initiative.”
The collaboration aligns the missions of three major New Jersey institutions:
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JAG Physical Therapy: Providing rehabilitative care across 170 locations.
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Princeton Athletics: Offering premier student-athlete experiences and elite Ivy League competition.
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Greater Somerset County YMCA: A leading nonprofit focused on community strengthening and social responsibility.
“We are grateful for your thoughtfulness that brought warmth, love, and joy this holiday season,” David Carcieri, president and CEO of Greater Somerset County YMCA said.
