A partnership between Hillside Family of Agencies and the Syracuse Crunch is making a difference for Hillside youth and families while engaging the Syracuse community.
In November, team members Troy Bodie, Patrick Maroon, Smith, Mat Clark, and J.F. Jacques donned their elf hats and shopped for holiday gifts for Hillside Special Santas. The team also asked fans to bring donations to the Crunch’s November 25th home game against the Binghamton Senators. The fans did not disappoint and brought many holiday gifts for Hillside youth. The partnership also includes a charitable component that will raise money in support of Hillside Children’s Foundation throughout the season.
Hillside youth to attend a Crunch home game at the War Memorial Auditorium in November as another component of the partnership. Oncenter Banquet Manager Katie had an opportunity to see firsthand how excited the youth were about watching the Crunch on the ice. She was especially touched by Jared, who had never been to a hockey game before. “He was so happy and excited,” Katie says. “He had the most amazing spirit about him.” As she escorted Jared to his seat, she decided she would ask the team mascot to stop by the Hillside section during the game and she told Jared to watch for him.
A little later, Jared ran up to Katie in the hallway and told her he had not yet seen the mascot. Katie took him by the hand and walked him over to meet the mascot. “I had never seen a little boy’s eyes light up like Jared’s did,” she says. “Since that night, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Jared. I know he loved being at the Crunch game and I wanted to do something nice for him for Christmas.” Katie asked the team members to autograph a Crunch jersey for him. The team also signed two hockey pucks for the youth. Katie donated these special gifts to Hillside Special Santas to be given to Jared for Christmas. “It doesn’t matter if he knows where they’re coming from,” she says. “The most important thing was for him to have that jersey. I wanted him to have something to believe in. I’m so very thankful for having a family and a stable home. I hope this story inspires others to think about everything they have and be grateful.”
The Syracuse Crunch partnership is truly a "gift" not only for Hillside youth and families, but for every person involved!
View a video of Crunch players shopping for Hillside Special Santas.