Red Rockers Tori and Morgan posing with Slapshot Santa (Photos by Caps Outsider)
The Capitals hosted their annual holiday Toy Drive on Friday when Washington took on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Each fan who donated a new, unwrapped toy received a T.J. Oshie poster. Some of the posters were actually signed by Oshie. The event was presented by GEICO benefiting The Salvation Army. Holiday spirit was definitely in the air as loads of enthusiastic fans also dressed up in festive holiday wear for the chance to be featured in a variety of ways during the holiday game.
“I brought a toy for the toy drive tonight to help needy kids, ” said Jason, from Silver Spring, MD. He was attending the game with a group friends who each donated a toy and received a cool T.J. Oshie poster.
Amy, from Leesburg, VA, also donated to the toy drive. “This is my first time donating at this toy drive. I wanted to help the children,” said Amy. “I brought a doll for a girl and building blocks for a boy.”
Each year, the Salvation Army teams up with the Caps to collect toys for deserving kids in the Washington D.C. area. The nonprofit organization also provides Christmas dinners and clothing for families in need, including families of prisoners. Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins and individuals in hospitals and nursing homes. Salvation Army shelters are also open for sit-down dinners.
Fans made toy and monetary donations to help assure that those in need will have a happy holiday season. With Slapshot Santa, the Red Rockers and all of the wonderful Salvation Army volunteers, the 2015 toy drive was a huge success.
