The Lancaster Stormers are set to host their annual Teddy Bear Toss during Youth Hockey Night, aiming to provide comfort to young patients at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. The event will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 6:45 p.m., coinciding with a game against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks.
Fans attending the match are encouraged to bring new, non-electronic stuffed animals to Penn Medicine Park. Following the Stormers’ first home run, or at the end of the game if no home run occurs, participants will throw the toys onto the field. The collected donations will then be delivered to the hospital’s emergency department, where they will be distributed to pediatric patients, offering solace during challenging times.
Marcy Mercer, a social worker at Lancaster General Hospital’s emergency department, leads this initiative. She coordinates donation drives and maintains Amazon wish lists to ensure that every pediatric patient receives a source of comfort. Mercer highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “The impact has been huge for the pediatric patients we see, their parents, and the staff. The staff truly enjoys giving out stuffed animals and uses them to help make the emergency department experience a little bit easier. I’ve also had so many parents share that well after the ‘emergency,’ the stuffed animal quickly becomes their favorite for years.”
This year’s Teddy Bear Toss is part of a vibrant Youth Hockey Night and Philly Night lineup. Attendees can look forward to a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, youth hockey activities, and a hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans aged 16 and older, courtesy of Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
The Lancaster Stormers are in their 21st season and play at Penn Medicine Park, which has been recognized three times as a Best Ballpark in MLB Partner League Baseball. The Stormers are part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a notable pathway to major leagues that has seen over 1,400 players transition to MLB organizations in the past quarter-century.
This community-focused event not only enhances the game day atmosphere but also strengthens the bond between the team and its supporters while making a tangible difference in the lives of young patients and their families.
