FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The holidays are a time of giving and thinking about others. In that spirit, the Fayetteville FireAntz have definitely gotten into the holidays in a big way, giving back to the community as well as maintaining what have become long-standing Fayetteville traditions.
Back on December 3rd and 4th, the FireAntz, in conjunction with paratroopers from Fort Bragg, organized “Operation Toy Drop Weekend”. In support of the 13th annual Randy Oler “Operation Toy Drop”, the FireAntz teamed up with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) to encourage fans to bring new, unwrapped toys to the games at the Crown Coliseum. There were also various “drop zones” in businesses throughout Fayetteville. All of the toys collected will find their way to the homes of children and families at Fort Bragg and in the community where some help for the holidays is needed.
FireAntz President/G.M. Kevin MacNaught and HHCUSACAPOC Major Kevin Myers presenting toys for %22Operation Toy Drop%22 on December 4th (photo courtesy of J. Shank)
A handful of days later, members of the FireAntz family headed out to Harris Teeter in Fayetteville. There they partnered with the Oliver Garden restaurant to collect food items that were donated to The Heart of Carolina organization. The Heart of Carolina assists local food banks in keeping their shelves stocked so that families in need don’t go hungry.
The giving continues this weekend as the FireAntz have back-to-back home games. When the Knoxville Ice Bears come to the Crown on Friday, December 17th, fans have an opportunity to give to others and get something back. In conjunction with Miller Motte College and the Women’s Shelter of Fayetteville, folks who bring four cans of food to the Crown will get a voucher for a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket. Proceeds of the can drive will go to the Women’s Shelter so the FireAntz hope to collect as many cans of food as possible.
Then on Saturday, December 18th, the kids are the focus as Fayetteville’s Slap Shot hosts “Mascot Night” when the FireAntz take on long-time rival Columbus. As if the mascots weren’t enough, Santa Claus will be at the Crown as well taking last minute “orders” from good little girls and boys and passing out candy canes.
The traditions keep coming the next two weekends as the FireAntz will host Augusta for a game on Christmas night at 7:35 p.m. followed by a visit by Columbus on Sunday, December 26th at the special start time of 4 p.m. Fans can ring in the New Year at the Crown on Friday, December 31st as the Huntsville Havoc try to spoil the party starting at 6 p.m. and then again on Saturday, January 1st at 7:35 p.m.
So come out and join the FireAntz in giving back to the community and enjoy some great SPHL action this holiday season.
Editor’s note: Jason Fleming is the Director of Media Sales and Relations for the Fayetteville FireAntz.
Comment at comments@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.