Dec. 8, 2010

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Marist Athletics Department will accept new, unwrapped toys at the men's basketball game on Friday, Dec. 10 against Lehigh, and the women's basketball contest with Boston University on Saturday, Dec. 11. All fans who take part in the toy drive will receive a FREE hot dog and soda courtesy of Sodexho Dining Services.

All toys donated at these games will benefit the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie. This organization is a community-based, non-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and their families in the Hudson River Valley.

All toys will be accepted but, "wish list" items include alarm clock radios, inexpensive jewelry, sports balls, headphones, slippers, wool gloves and puzzles.

As a special thank you to our fans, the Marist Athletics Department has teamed up with Sodexho Dining Services to offer a FREE hot dog and soda to those who donate gifts.

Theresa Bettencourt, Sodexho's Retail Operations Manager at Marist, has played a large role in the coordination of the toy drive and is excited to help with the program.

"Sodexho is proud to team up with the Athletics Department and Marist basketball programs for the toy drive," Bettencourt said. "It is a very worthy program, which we are happy to be involved with."

Fans can drop the toys off at the door on the night of the games and will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and soda. This voucher may be redeemed at any Sodexho concession stand located in the McCann Center. The voucher is only valid on the night it is issued. Vouchers are limited to one per fan.

To purchase tickets for Marist basketball games CLICK HERE or visit the Marist Ticket Office located in the McCann Center. Ticket office hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.