Gloucester Twp. LAX to Host Toys for Tots Charity Game

For the second year, kids will help kids have a brighter holiday season.

The will host its second annual "Toy Game", benefiting Mayor David Mayer's drive, on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the .

The event will feature lacrosse games throughout the day with players from the club's teams and additional players from the South Jersey Youth Lacrosse League and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Lacrosse League. There will also be adult games with players from Team USA and the American Indoor Lacrosse League.

The price of admission: a new, unused, unwrapped toy for a needy child in Gloucester Township.

"My children have a roof over their head and they have everything they need. The the idea that someone has a hardship and is not able to give their children what they need—it hurts, " said John Barrett, the co-founder of Gloucester Township Youth Lacrosse and organizer of the event.

Barrett said that they were able to collect 251 toys last year and this year, they want to collect more toys. Last year there were 90 lacrosse players—Barrett said they are hoping for 125-150 players this year.

There will be games every hour, plus refreshments, maybe a surprise visit from Santa and vendor sales. Encore Brand, a Phildelphia-based clothing design company, will donate $5 from the sale of T-shirts to the toy drive. Red Oak Candle Company also will donate candles to sell and to benefit the drive.

"This is a great way for our club to give back to the local community, " said Barrett. "I was brought up to be a giver."

The Gloucester Township Youth Lacrosse was founded four years ago by Barrett and his wife, Cathy. The club averages about 70 players per year. Barrett says they try to support local service organizations like the Boy Scouts throughout the year.

If you are interested in signing your children up for lacrosse, visit the GT Hawks website at gthawks.com . The deadline to register for the spring season is Dec. 15.