by Garrett Fodor
In what has become an annual tradition, Tuesday December 11 marked the end of this year’s installment of the toy and non-perishable food drive the Essex 73’s hosted for local charities.
The food items received at the games are divided between the Salvation Army and the Essex Area Food Bank. The toy donations are forwarded to the Salvation Army as well.
For several years, the collection has taken place before the first two home games in December. In exchange for donations, fans received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a package of 73’s apparel.
John van Gent is the game day coordinator for the Essex 73’s. He said it is great for the organization to be involved.
“We put together little prize packages of 73’s gear and those who donate are entered to win them,” van Gent said. “We have great fans here and it’s our way to say ‘thank you’ to them and also help those who are in need.”
Ron Fairhurst attended the games and worked the donation table on behalf of the Salvation Army Essex Community Church. He said he was very grateful and impressed with the support from the fans.
“I would say it went very well. We collect toys and monetary funds, along with the non-perishables,” Fairhurst said. “The funds raised go to the Family Services at the Salvation Army and the food bank. The church started a toy drive for under-privileged kids and this branched off of it”
Fairhurst said, on behalf of the Salvation Army, he is grateful for the support they received at the game and during the Kettle Campaign, where volunteers collected funds at local store fronts leading up to Christmas in support of the Salvation Army programs.
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