DETROIT -- The Red Wings are asking fans to bring new, unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals) to home games this week on Wednesday, December 8, against Nashville and Friday, December 10, versus Montreal as part of the team’s annual Toys for Tots collection.

Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will be on hand at each entrance of Joe Louis Arena to collect toys, which will then be distributed to needy children in Metro Detroit to help make their holiday season a happy one. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional toys.

Fans who donate a new toy or make a minimum donation of $5 will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win either an autographed, game-used Tomas Holmstrom stick on Wednesday or an autographed, game-used Johan Franzen stick on Friday. Fans must be present to win.

Fans are encouraged to bring toys suitable for children ages one to twelve. Toys should cost no more than $30 to ensure that all the children receive comparable items.

Who:  Detroit Red Wings and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
What: Annual Toys for Tots Collection
When:  Wednesday, Dec. 8, vs. Nashville at 7:30 p.m.
             Friday, Dec. 10, vs. Montreal at 7:00 p.m.    
Where: Each of the Four Entrances to Joe Louis Arena

About Toys for Tots: Now in its 63rd year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children. In 2009, Marines distributed gifts to 7.4 million children in 691 communities nationwide.