Indiana Boys & Girls Clubs Celebrate Pacers’ 26,000-Toy Donation During Literacy & Play Week

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, all 30 Boys & Girls Clubs across Indiana will celebrate a generous 26,000-toy donation from Pacers Sports & Entertainment during Literacy & Play Week. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s nine Club locations across Lake and Porter counties will celebrate the week with daily literacy and sports activities.

The donated toys will be shared with younger Club members and other youth-serving organizations and community partners statewide. The older Club youth and teens will help distribute the toys and read The Giving Tree book, followed by a discussion about how generosity and leadership come from giving, not just receiving.

Each Club’s celebration will center on community, reading, and play—practicing the spirit of giving through story and action while bringing fun and joy to youth. Two organizations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tipton County and Johnson County, will host special guests from Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Mascots Boomer and Freddy Fever, the Pacemates, and Inferno will join staff, youth, and local community representatives to mark the occasion.

“This opportunity allows us to make an impact not only for Club kids, but for young people in communities across the entire state of Indiana,” said Richie Smith, Associate Director, Community Engagement, Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “We are proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs, with the help of our partner JAKKS Pacific, and are excited to join Literacy & Play Week events in Tipton and Johnson Counties to see firsthand the joy, generosity, and community spirit this donation inspires.”