This Giving Tuesday, the South Carolina Stingrays celebrate their impactful contributions to the community. The season commenced with a Hurricane Helene Relief Drive, aimed at helping areas in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina that experienced severe devastation. Thanks to the generous donations from fans, the Stingrays filled an entire box truck with crucial supplies, including water and baby items, which were delivered to Asheville, North Carolina.
Since the arrival of the team, the Stingrays have dedicated more than 140 volunteer hours to various community initiatives. These efforts include the Reading Buddies program in local schools and assisting at youth hockey practices at the Carolina Ice Palace.
The team’s mascot, Cool Ray, has also been active in the community, attending over 20 events in October and November, such as the City of North Charleston’s Night Out and Fish or Treat at the South Carolina Aquarium.
In early November, the Stingrays collaborated with the North Charleston Community Resource Center for a Community Night, where players interacted with children, leading a street hockey game and distributing gifts like T-shirts and autographed memorabilia. The event was made even sweeter with complimentary ice cream from ServiceMaster of Charleston.
Recently, the Stingrays hosted a free NHL Street Hockey Clinic at the North Charleston Sports Complex, where over 20 young participants received NHL jerseys and enjoyed instruction from team coaches and players.
In addition to these community-based initiatives, the Stingrays have dedicated their home game “Assist of the Game” program to support local nonprofits. This season alone, they have donated funds to various organizations, reinforcing their commitment to the area.
Looking forward, the organization plans to maintain these initiatives while also preparing for the Teddy Bear Toss and Undie Sunday games, with the collected items benefiting families in need.
This holiday season, in collaboration with Blanton and Sons, the Stingrays will provide Christmas trees to seven deserving families, ensuring they have a festive centerpiece for their celebrations. This initiative embodies the spirit of giving and reflects the team’s dedication to spreading holiday cheer to their neighbors.
Thank you to the fans for contributing to these impactful efforts. Together, the Stingrays and their supporters are making strides towards creating a brighter future for the community, and there is great anticipation for what accomplishments lie ahead.
By continuing to engage with and support the local community, the Stingrays are setting a commendable example of how sports organizations can contribute beyond the confines of the arena. This blend of athletics and community service not only strengthens local ties but also enriches the lives of many individuals and families.
Together, let’s continue to uplift each other during this season of giving and beyond, fostering a spirit of hope and unity.