Good Deed Game Returns July 28
The Good Deed Game will feature a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey, a school supplies drive to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-perishable food drive to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, a toiletries drive to support HomeFront, a clothing drive that will benefit the Rescue Mission of Trenton, and new this year, a pet supplies drive to support The Shelter Animal Project.
The Thunder are providing incentives to fans who support these local non-profit organizations.
Fans who donate to any one of the causes will receive a ticket to the Thunder 's Fan Appreciation Night vs. New Britain on Thursday, August 30 at 7:05 pm.
People who donate to any two of the drives will get the game ticket and will throw a ceremonial pitch before the August 30 game.
Three donations will result in the ticket, ceremonial pitch and the opportunity to watch the August 30 fireworks on the field.
Fans who make four donations will receive everything above and a Thunder hat.
Individuals who support five causes will everything above plus receive free parking on August 30.
People who donate to all six will get everything plus a voucher for a free hot dog, popcorn and soda.
"Our first two Good Deed Games have had such tremendous support from Thunder fans," said Thunder Director of Community Relations Patience Purdy. "We hope even more families help these worthy organizations this year."
The Community Blood Council of New Jersey's Blood Mobile will be parked outside the stadium beginning at 4pm. Fans are encouraged to make an appointment for their donation by calling 866-2GIVENJ, but walk-ins are welcome.
The Thunder and CBC-NJ have partnered to host many blood drives at Waterfront Park over the years and this will be the second drive of 2012. CBC-NJ is a Not-For Profit 501(c)(3) Blood Council located in Trenton. CBC-NJ serves the needs of transfusion patients and hospitals in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Habitat for Humanity - Trenton Area will have a table in Times Square (the area outside the main entrances) where fans can drop off notebooks, paper, pencils, markers and other school supplies that will be put to use by the children who use HFH's East Trenton Learning Center. To date, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 80 homes in the Trenton area and is currently working towards rebuilding or rehabilitating 500 sites within the 150 acre East Trenton revitalization area.
The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food items. In the last three seasons, the team has hosted food drives at Waterfront Park with fans responding with a total of over 1,500 pounds of food being donated. Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, established in 1987, is the food bank for all of Mercer County. Its mission is to alleviate hunger through food distribution, nutrition education and assistance, advocacy and outreach. The Food Bank helps to feed over 20,000 low-income men, women and children at risk for hunger.
HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, will collect personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.
The Rescue Mission of Trenton will collect clothing of all sizes and styles as well as accessories (belts, purses etc) at their table in Times Square. The Rescue Mission of Trenton was founded in 1915 and offers a variety of programs including addiction services, residential supportive housing, adult education programs, work therapy and life skills programs and more. Items collected will be sold in the Rescue Mission of Trenton store that is operated by the residents and participants of their programs.
The Shelter Animal Project, which works hand in hand with the Trenton Animal Shelter on their dog adoption program and dog foster network, is seeking any and all pet supplies such as food, bowls, and leashes. The Shelter Animal Project works to improve living conditions in the shelter, pay veterinary costs for shelter and foster dogs and educate children about responsible pet ownership.
On Saturday, July 28, the Thunder will host the Harrisburg Senators (Washington) at 7:05 pm. There will be fireworks after the game.
All Thunder tickets are available by calling 609-394-3300 or online at trentonthunder.com.