MARQUETTE — There will be a Drive-By Teddy Bear Toss from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the parking lot of the Berry Events Center.

The Drive-By Toss will take place at the main entrance to the Berry Events Center. Northern Michigan University representatives and athletes will be on hand to collect the stuffed animals.

The Drive-By Teddy Bear Toss is a joint effort on the part of The Mining Journal Cheer Club and the NMU Student Athlete Advisory Committee. The teddy bears will then be delivered to The Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul to families in need that are part of their Christmas Toy Give-a-Way programs.

Last year, more than 480 stuffed animals were supplied by the Teddy Bear Toss. Organizers are hopeful that even though it is a Drive-By event this year they will still be able to supply hundreds of stuffed animals to be given to children in need this Christmas.

It has been a challenging year and a stuffed animal for children on Christmas morning hopefully will bring a smile to a child’s face and a long lasting feeling of safety when hugging the stuffed animal.