The Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs are giving back to fans that give this holiday season.
The Saints renew their annual partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve hosting back-to-back toy drives benefiting Capital Region Toys for Tots as the men take on Bryant on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at MVP Arena and the women follow up on Thursday, Dec. 7, against Fordham at the UHY Center. Both games are scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Fans that bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a voucher to buy one ticket, get one free (of equal or lesser value) to a future Siena men’s or women’s home game this season. The first 50 fans to donate at each game will also get a $5 Dunkin card good to use at any local participating Dunkin’ restaurant.
Volunteers and Marine Corps Reservists will collect toys through halftime on the concourse of MVP Arena outside Sections 104 and 105 during the men’s game and in the UHY Center lobby during the women’s game.
All toys will benefit families in need throughout the Capital Region.
“The holiday season is certainly a time of joy for us at Siena, including the opportunity to partner with our friends in the Marine Corps Reserve to help brighten the lives of local children,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “We encourage our generous fans to donate new, unwrapped toys to support this signature holiday program while attending our men’s or women’s game this December during the season of giving.”
“There are a lot of Saints to whom we give thanks and Siena College and Siena Athletics are always there for us as we strive to meet the increased need for toys each year,” said U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Patrick Lurenz, local coordinator of the Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign. “The Toys for Tots Drive helps make the holiday season special for all kids and we could not realize our goals without the support of Siena and their outstanding fans who always show up big this time of year.”
Annually, over 235,000 children across 14 upstate New York counties are supported by Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps Reserve during the holiday season. For more information on Toys for Tots, go to toysfortots.org.
Following the Saints’ home games and Toys for Tots drives on Dec. 6 and 7, the Siena women host Canisius in the first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) matchup of the season at UHY Center on Saturday, Dec. 16 while the men host Cornell for a Big Red Christmas celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at MVP Arena