Hood Athletics Raises $6,425 via Free Throw Charity Event Supporting ‘Toys for Tots’

More than 65 student-athletes, 290 donors participated in “Free-Throw-A-Thon” to raise money for local children

Dec 12, 2023

By Mason Cavalier

Blazer student-athletes pose with toys at the "Toys for Tots" distribution warehouse in Frederick

Hood College is proud to announce that $6,425 has been raised for Frederick’s Toys for Tots program following a “Free-Throw-A-Thon” event in which donors pledged gifts based on the number of free throws Blazer student-athletes could make in one night.

Approximately 65 Blazer student-athletes participated in free throw shooting, while more than 100 additional student-athletes attended to support their teammates. The event, which took place within Blazer Arena on Nov. 30, was hosted by Hood’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was supported by 293 donors.

“We like to give back to the Frederick community in as many ways as we can because they support us throughout our seasons,” said Katie Barnett, men’s and women’s volleyball coach and SAAC adviser.

Katie Barnett, men's and women's Volleyball coach, SAAC adviser
“With the Free-Throw-A-Thon, we were able to come together both as a community in the spirit of volunteerism and as an athletic department, supporting one another as we support our community.”

Frederick’s local Toys for Tots chapter expects to serve more than 2,500 families this holiday season according to Gunnery Sergeant Neil Hamilton, campaign coordinator for the Frederick area.

Blazer student-athletes visited the program’s warehouse located at 5255 Westview Dr., currently home to thousands of toys for children of all ages, to meet with organizers and see the difference their donation made.

“Visiting with Toys for Tots was a great way to see exactly how our fundraising was making an impact within the Frederick community,” said Russell Odor ’23, MBA’24. Odor, who plays for the men’s volleyball team and men’s swim team, said the experience further connected him to Frederick, as he moved here to attend Hood four years prior.

A Blazer student-athlete shoots a free throw (Photo Gavin Pollard)

Frederick’s Toys for Tots chapter will be opening its doors from Tuesday, Dec. 12 to Thursday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested in volunteering with the gift handout are encouraged to visit the warehouse during those hours.