Isles' Wives and Girlfriends Shop for a Cause
Dec 7, 2023The Bridgeport Islanders’ better halves are spreading holiday cheer throughout Connecticut, and you may have seen them out and about during their 2nd Annual Holiday Shop.
Last Tuesday, several Islanders’ significant others came together at the Milford Target to purchase toys that will benefit the Hometown Foundation’s “Hometown Holidays Toy Drive.” These toys will be donated to Connecticut children ages 4-12 who may not otherwise receive any gifts this holiday season.
“Not everyone has the same opportunities we do, so being able to support people during this time of the year is very important,” said Gracie Johnson, Jackson Cates’ girlfriend.
“The season is all about bringing joy and cheer,” Kenzie Kuhlman added. “We just hope that kids and anyone who gets these gifts are happy and able to play with them as long as they can and able to enjoy their holiday season.”
The shopping spree was an overwhelming success, as the cash register eventually rang up to more than $1,000.
“The Islanders are so grateful for the dedication to our community by the wives and girlfriends of our players, we know the holidays can be a challenging time for many families,” said Samuel Provost, Bridgeport Islanders Community Engagement Manager.
“My favorite part about the holiday shop was that we were able to come together as a group of girls and [help] anyone who was in need of any gifts this holiday season,” said Emma Carman, Kyle MacLean’s girlfriend. “I think this time of year is so important to be able to get up and help others in any way you can, so we’re super fortunate to be able to do this for anyone in need.”
The ladies are hoping to add this annual shop to their own list of holiday traditions, as they all have their own personal favorites that brings them closer to their loved ones.
“My favorite holiday tradition is baking Christmas cookies every year,” Kuhlman said. “We do it with my family and it's kind of a tradition that brings us all together.”
“Every single year I would go to help my mom decorate for something we did in our town called Festival of Trees,” Carman said. “I would help decorate a tree based on all the stores we had downtown, and then you would bid on them. All the money that was raised would go to a local foundation that helped people in need during the winter, with all their winter clothes.”
The festivities didn’t end at the mall, however, as the Bridgeport Islanders hosted their Teddy Bear Drive Night on Saturday, Dec. 2nd, where the Hometown Foundation was the beneficiary and also the Nonprofit of the Night.
All toys and stuffed animals collected throughout the game were donated to the Hometown Foundation toy drive, as well as the proceeds of the 50/50 Raffle and Chuck-A-Puck.
“We are proud to partner with the Hometown Foundation to support our neighbors in need this holiday season,” Provost said. “We hope the toys collected during our Annual Holiday Shop will bring smiles to kids all across Connecticut and make this holiday a happy, cheerful day for everyone.”