Mentor High Hockey Team Collects Toys for Tots

It started with old jerseys.

The Mentor High School hockey team needed to replace its dilapidated jerseys earlier this year, so it appealed to the community and its businesses.

"A lot of people from the community care came through for us, and we wanted to thank them," said Kate Fisher, a hockey mom with two sons on the team.

The team decided to show their gratitude by collecting donations for Lake and Geauga County Toys for Tots.

The team kicked off its campaign during its game against Holy Name Dec. 3. Both teams' captains presented Marine Sgt. Major Jim Bowen with a bag of gifts for Toys for Tots.

The Mentor High hockey team continued collecting toys during home games Dec. 10 and 17 against Rocky River and North Olmsted, respectively.

They also set up donation drop boxes at Mentor High School and City Hall.

"We collected almost five boxfuls, which is between $1,000 and $1,500 worth of toys," said Kathleen Cannata, another of the team's hockey moms.

The Mentor High hockey team is also sponsoring a family that has a child with Down Syndrome this Christmas.

"We're giving them Lincoln Logs, a remote-control car, clothes and a Christmas meal," Cannata said.

"It was a phenomenal job they did, to take the time to give back to the community," said Timothy Sherman, the director of Lake and Geauga County Toys for Tots. "It was amazing, not just Mentor Hockey, but also Holy Name."