StocktonThunder

Gifts, “hang out time” and tickets from Thunder players turn into memories for Stockton Children’s Home

STOCKTON, Calif. - There were no cameras, no paparazzi, and no worries.

The Stockton Thunder and some friends would prefer it would happen in no other way.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14th, Thunder players and staff hosted “Give Moore for the Holidays” for twenty five young men, an event started by Defenseman Mike Moore of the Worcester Sharks.

For the second year, players and staff each took a wish list and went shopping for special gifts. Pizza, cookies, and punch were waiting for the boys and staff when they arrived at Stockton Arena.

Presents were stacked under the tree and the players, staff, Thor and Santa greeted them as they entered the room.

There was plenty of time to “hang out” with the players before Santa and Thor handed out the gifts. The event ended with a private tour of the Thunder locker room by head coach Matt Thomas and Thunder president Dan Chapman.

A look at the Christmas tree that had gifts from the Thunder to local kids at the Stockton Children's Home.

The “giving” didn’t end with the party. On Saturday, Dec 17th, all the children at Stockton Children’s Home were guests at the Thunder home game against the Idaho Steelheads.

“We wanted to bring some Christmas spirit to them,” said Thunder defenseman Jody Pederson, who helped arrange the event amongst the entire Thunder team and hockey staff. “Obviously Christmas is special for everyone but when it’s not necessarily going to happen for some kids, it means a lot for us to reach out and brighten their holidays by simply bringing them a gift and taking them to a game.”

Skull Candy headphones were the present from Pederson to his new music loving friend. Matt Foy bought a new football and gloves for a young 49ers fan.

“I never had the opportunity to do this,” said Foy. “They let us know what was on their wish list and that made it easy. They had a tough upbringing so it was nice to help them out and put a smile on their face.”

“It proves hockey is just a game and it puts things in perspective for us.”

Pederson played at Princeton University with Moore for two seasons and briefly last season when Pederson was called up to Worcester on a tryout contract through the Thunder’s NHL affiliate in San Jose.

The event began in Worcester at the behest of Moore and has involved numerous players across the board in professional hockey, including former Thunder defenseman Daryl Marcoux (who organized the Thunder event last year at the United Way of San Joaquin County), Anaheim Ducks forward George Parros and Philadelphia Flyers forward Darroll Powe.

Moore, who praised Pederson and his “heart of gold,” couldn’t help but smile at the magnitude of the holiday event which has now reached from coast to coast.

“It’s awesome and there are a lot of teams who have done something like this in the past,” said Moore. “It’s good for hockey, hockey players and good for the communities they’re in – guys on teams are happy to make a difference in community.”

Whether it’s a football, earphones, or a trip to see the Stockton Thunder play, there are now kids who can take away a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Thunder – a memory – that will always remain as a treasure and gift.

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