Submitted Photo Representatives from Jamestown Rebels and The Resource Center pose with some stuffed toys. Pictured from left are defenseman Caleb Price; Heather C. Brown, TRC assistant executive director and one of the lead organizers of the Toys for Tots drive; forward Jin Lee; head coach/general manager Joe Coombs; and Tommy Gerace, director of community relations.

There will be a long break in the action after the Jamestown Rebels score their first goal at the Northwest Arena on Friday, Dec. 7.

That’s because the Rebels’ first goal will be a signal to fans to throw teddy bears onto the ice in a promotion to benefit The Resource Center’s Marine Toys for Tots drive.

The third annual Teddy Bear Toss will take place that night. The past two years, fans threw stuffed bears onto the ice during the intermission between the first and second periods. This year, Rebels’ representatives suggested making the event more exciting by having the team’s first goal be the trigger to start the Teddy Bear Toss.

Fans are encouraged to bring new, stuffed bears to throw onto the ice. The bears will be given to Toys for Tots. For people who forget to bring a teddy bear to the game, the Rebels plan to have bears for sale. Proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots.

TRC officials are grateful the Rebels were willing to conduct a Teddy Bear Toss again this year.

“We appreciate the Rebels’ willingness to do the Teddy Bear Toss promotion,” said Steve Waterson, community relations director. “Last year we saw a big increase in the number of bears that were thrown onto the ice, so we anticipate there will be even more next Friday. The community really gets behind Toys for Tots, and this is a fun way for fans to support the toy drive.” He noted that hundreds of TRC employees plan to attend the game.

Rebels’ officials also are looking forward to the Teddy Bear Toss.

“The Jamestown Rebels are thrilled to partner with The Resource Center and Toys for Tots for this special night,” said Tommy Gerace, director of community relations. “Both organizations provide tremendous support to the Jamestown community and its surrounding areas, and the Rebels are happy to host the annual Teddy Bear Toss in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.”

The Rebels’ opponent for Friday’s game is the Johnstown Tomahawks. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

This marks the 18th straight year that The Resource Center has coordinated the Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County. Last year more than 2,600 children received toys, and organizers expect to assist about that many children this year.

For more information about Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org or phone 661-1042.