PHOTO GALLERY

IRVINE, Calif. – Once again, UC Irvine Athletics teamed up with the UC Irvine Police Department for their annual Teddy Bear Toy Drive spreading the holiday spirit across Orange County.

UCI student-athletes and staff joined officers when they delivered gifts to children receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care and Burn units at UC Irvine Health on Thursday, Dec. 14.



Along with delivering gifts, the group spent time with the kids and their families in what has become an annual tradition.
Various Anteaters from multiple sports were there to give a hand, including baseball player Ryan Fitzpatrick who shared his thoughts on the day.

"It was a great experience being able to bring some joy to these children and their family. We are so blessed here at UCI that it's great to give back to those going through a difficult time."

"It was such an amazing experience," Track and field athlete Omar Valenzuela continued. "We received so many more toys than we did last year and had more options for the kids to choose from. Nothing else compares to giving back to the community and seeing the smiles on the children's faces. The best way to get into the holiday spirit is giving back."

This year, the UCI community could participate in a Toy Toss at the men's basketball game versus Nevada to help collect toys for the drive.Over 10 bags of plush toys were collected from the court at halftime.

Continuing the spirit of giving, women's basketball players and staff participated in Spark of Love Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive hosted by ABC7 & Southland Firefighters at Honda Center on Friday.

Spark of Love's Stuff-A-Bus campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for children and teens in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties.