South Bend Cubs Host 3rd Annual Food & Toy Drive for Free Tickets
SOUTH BEND, IN – For the 3rd year in a row, the South Bend Cubs are bringing holiday cheer by accepting food and toy donations in exchange for tickets. The Cubs are teaming up with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots
SOUTH BEND, IN – For the 3rd year in a row, the South Bend Cubs are bringing holiday cheer by accepting food and toy donations in exchange for tickets. The Cubs are teaming up with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program as well as Sunny 101.5 FM to help families in need this holiday season.
Beginning November 18 and running through December 15, food and toy donations will be accepted at the Cubs Den Team Store. For every four (4) non-perishable food items (canned or bag) or new, unopened toy donated, you will receive one ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a field box ticket to a 2026 South Bend Cubs game on April 14, April 15, or April 28.
On Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Ivy along with members of the United States Marines will also host a special meet and greet at the Cubs Den as the food and toy drive comes to a close.
“We know this time of year can be difficult for families in our area and the South Bend Cubs want to help where we can by providing an incentive to donate,” said South Bend Cubs Assistant General Manager for Marketing and Media Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “Last year, our fans donated over 700 pounds of food to the Food Bank and 1,200 toys to the Toys for Tots program. We are incredibly grateful to our fans from all over the region who donate and we hope to surpass those numbers again this year.
“The need for food assistance remains high for so many neighbors in the communities we serve,” said Marijo Martinec, Executive Director and CEO for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. “So much about the holiday season is centered around family and food. The 43-day government shutdown, paused SNAP benefits, adding another layer to already strained charitable food system. We are humbled by our amazing community partner – the South Bend Cubs, for their continued support and helping stock the shelves for those who need it most.”
Vouchers will be given at time of donation at the Cubs Den Team Store for every four (4) non-perishable food items (canned or bag) or new, unopened toys. Those vouchers can be exchanged once single game tickets become available in March. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All food collected will be donated to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and all toys collected will be donated to the St. Joseph County Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. For food donations, the Food Bank of Northern Indiana accepts non-perishable food donations. For a list of items in need and items that cannot be accepted, click here. For the toy drive, Toys for Tots will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys, books, games, and stocking stuffers.
About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 38 years, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2022, and captured nine division titles. In 2023, the organization was selected as the Single-A Bob Freitas Award recipient by Baseball America. Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best High-A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest in 2022 and 2023, having also won the award as a Low-A ballpark in 2017. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In 2015, the team was named Ballpark Digest's Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President's Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.
About the Food Bank of Northern Indiana
The Food Bank of Northern Indiana works in partnership with the community to feed the hungry, increase awareness of the effects of hunger and lead programs designed to alleviate hunger. The Food Bank of Northern Indiana serves Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Starke and St. Joseph Counties and is a member of Feeding America and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. In 2024, the Food Bank distributed 11,082,250 lbs. through its network of 115 partner agencies.
About the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program
Toys for Tots, a 78-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to children in need across the Nation through the gift of new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers children in need recognition, confidence, and positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and magic of Christmas to over 301 million economically disadvantaged children. Because the need isn’t just at Christmas, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support throughout the year to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dreams of millions of children in need beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Detachment of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit https://south-bend-in.toysfortots.org/