WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team is asking area fans to join them in making the holiday season brighter for some area boys and girls by participating in a toy toss Saturday, Dec. 10, at the team’s 1 p.m. game against Iowa Western Community College during the Grizzly Christmas Classic tournament.

Fans can bring a new or gently used soft stuffed toy to the game and receive free admission, Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said. When the Grizzlies score their first points of the game, fans can then toss their toy onto the court. The toys will be collected and given to children in the area who are less fortunate, he said, adding the team is working with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve local Toys for Tots program and the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area on the project.

“This can be a great event for a lot of reasons,” Popp said. “First, we hope to provide toys to make it a happier Christmas for many. It also is a way for our guys to experience the spirit of giving. Giving is always two-sided. It benefits not only the ones who are receiving, but also those who must sacrifice their time, effort, money or maybe one of their stuffed friends, in this case. My two little ones always have to pick out a couple of their stuffed animals and participate. It’s hard, but it helps them learn the importance of making a difference for others. We hope this will be the start of something that will grow and really benefit the children in this area.”

This event originated at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where Popp was an assistant for five seasons. “Coach Josh Newman and the 6th Man Club there began this several years ago. It has grown and enabled them to collect over 20,000 toys through the years. I have seen the effects it can have and am excited to carry thos on in West Plains,” Popp said.

For more information about the toss, contact Popp at 417-255-7991 or CPopp@MissouriState.edu.