BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Condors Teddy Bear Toss took place in a drive-thru setting this year and according to Condors President Matt Riley, 2,000 bears were donated.

All bears collected will be donated and distributed to dozens of organizations by the United Way of Kern County.

Usually, the Teddy Bear Toss happens after The Condors score their first goal the game following Thanksgiving. But given the pandemic and with the postponement of the hockey season, the team decided to hold the donation drive in a drive-thru setting.

Riley said that they usually collect about 10,000 stuffed animals a year. Those who could not make it to the toss can still purchase a bear to donate here.