FORT SMITH — The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Toy Toss will return at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Stubblefield Center during the UAFS men’s basketball game.
Fans are encouraged to bring new, soft toys to donate. In exchange, they will receive free admission to the game, according to a news release from the university.
Following the Lions’ first point, fans will toss their toys onto the court to display of support for local organizations.
This year’s Toy Toss will benefit the Salvation Army, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, and the UAFS Lion Pride Pantry. Children from the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club will assist in gathering the toys from the court, the release states.
“This event brings so much joy to the community, and we’re proud to support local charities while creating such a memorable experience,” said Dyllan Newell, coordinator of student activities and civic engagement. “The Toy Toss has become a beloved tradition for Lions fans, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow.”
Leading up to the Toy Toss, toys are being collected on campus until Nov. 8 in the Campus and Community Engagement Office, located in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. On campus, registered student organizations will compete to see who can donate the most toys, with the winner announced at halftime of the Nov. 12 game.
In addition to the on-campus collection site, the United Way of Fort Smith Area will conducting a citywide toy drive with companies including Arvest Bank, ArcBest, ABB and BHC Insurance hosting collection boxes.
Area K-12 schools will also host collection bins, with each school vying for the traveling Toy Toss trophy. Toys will be counted at the door of the Nov. 12 game, and students from the winning school will receive the trophy and a Lion-themed prize.
Toy Toss was established in 2010 on the UAFS campus, and has become a signature event for the university, capturing the attention of fans across the state and on ESPN, the release states.