POPULAR TOYS FOR TOTS DONATION GAME RETURNS ON DECEMBER 6

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State Athletics and Coca Cola are partnering with the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to help brighten the holidays for thousands of needy children throughout the Triangle area this year.

Prior to the Wolfpack men’s basketball game against Wake Forest on Saturday, December 6, representatives from Coca-Cola Consolidated and the United States Marine Corps will be stationed at each of the entries to the PNC Arena.  Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys or cash donations to any of these PNC Arena collection points between 6:00 p.m. and tip off at 7:30 p.m.

NC-State_property-logo-image“As an Athletic Department, we have a commitment to give back to our community and I can’t think of a better way to do that than to help children and families in need this season,” said Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Gottfried. “Wolfpack fans have a strong history of supporting the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign and I know we can once again count on their support.”

Fans making a toy or cash donation will receive a coupon from NC State Athletics, valid for free admission to a future Wolfpack Women’s basketball game or gymnastics meet.  Free Coca-Cola ornaments will also be available for the first 1,000 fans who make a toy or cash donation at the game.

“All of us at Coca-Cola are happy to help bring the meaning of Christmas to children in North Carolina through Toys for Tots.  Christmas and Coca-Cola have always gone hand-in-hand so it is fantastic to be able to work together during this special time of year with our great partner, NC State, and share the Christmas Spirit in Raleigh,” said Alison Patient, Sr. Director, Corporate Affairs for Coca-Cola Consolidated.

During the week following the game, members of the NC State men’s basketball team and US Marine Corp members will purchase new toys with the cash donations collected at the game.

“Each season, the Marine Corps Reserve Station of Raleigh works to ensure that less-fortunate children in the Triangle and its surrounding counties receive a toy on Christmas,” said Gunnery Sergeant David Swope.   “We rely on community partnerships like this one to complete our Toys for Tots mission.  We thank NC State Athletics, Coca-Cola and Wolfpack Nation for helping us brighten the holidays for thousands in need throughout our area.”

The partnership between Coca Cola, NC State Athletics and the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is facilitated by Wolfpack Sports Properties, a property of Learfield Sports. To learn more about Learfield Sports, visit www.learfieldsports.com.