Bruins Participate in Annual Holiday Toy Shopping

BOSTON - Black and gold were the holiday colors on Friday morning as the entire Bruins roster descended on Target in Watertown, Mass., in support of some special young children.
Despite a compact schedule that will have seen the Bruins suit up for four games in six nights come Saturday, the players used their day off to shop for toys for young children staying in some Greater Boston Area hospitals.
The Bruins annual holiday toy shopping event, which was started by Hall of Fame Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque has been carried on throughout the years by many of the team's players. The toys are purchased through donations from the Bruins players, coaching staff, and the Boston Bruins Foundation and will be donated to over 600 children unable to celebrate the holidays at home.

Hospitals receiving this year's toy donations include Boston Children's Hospital, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Shriners Hospital for Children, Franciscan Hospital for Children, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
For the seventh straight season, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron - who took over for P.J. Axelsson - orchestrated the event.
"It's important, in the position we're in, to give back to the community," Bergeron said. "Obviously, the holidays are definitely a time to think about family, but also to think about others and try to give back."
Bergeron's red-hot linemate, David Pastrnak, was one of the Bruins who traded in their sticks and skates for shopping carts. In case you were wondering, he hasn't cooled down one bit.
"It's going great," responded Pastrnak, when asked about his holiday shopping performance. "I think I'm $300 over budget."
Pastrnak's overflowing cart and comments drew laughter from onlookers, many of whom were more than pleasantly surprised at the sight of their favorite players.
Nick and Todd Jones were inside Target when the Bruins came in. They were in town from Minnesota to meet their friend, Chuck Gagnon, from Belmont, Mass., to take in tomorrow night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. They had touched down in Boston no less than an hour earlier.
The three randomly stumbled upon the holiday shopping event while searching for Bruins gear to wear at tomorrow night's game.
"Well, we were walking and I saw them in the jerseys," Todd Jones said.
For the Joneses and Gagnon, the opportunity to shake Bergeron's hand was a thrill they didn't expect.
"I was like, 'That's Bergeron!'" Todd exclaimed.
While some folks inside the store came from outside the area, most of them were local natives. Bruins forward and New Hampshire native Tim Schaller was thrilled to take part in the event.
"This is awesome," Schaller said. "For kids to not have the holidays they would expect, and to be in the hospitals and what not, something like this is awesome to get their spirits up and ultimately, make the best holiday for them."
Fortunately for B's players, the fun is not over yet. On December 19, the Bruins will deliver the toys they purchased today directly to the children in the local hospitals.

Bergeron, donning a Santa Claus hat, expressed his anticipation for the big day.
"I can't wait," he said. "That's probably the best part. It's fun to be here and get the gifts for the kids that you're going to go meet. But, it's even better to go meet them and see their reaction.
"It's always something we're looking forward to do."