FORT MYERS, Fla. – At FGCU home men's and women's basketball games this December, the teams will be accepting toys as part of the holiday to drive for children.

Additionally, the "Dashing through Dunk City" holiday punch pass returns, giving fans the opportunity to see both teams at a discounted rate during the holiday season.

Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to any home contest throughout the month of December. Boxes will be available immediately upon entry into Alico Arena at the marketing tables. Both the men's and women's basketball teams will deliver the toys to a local children's hospital in Southwest Florida in January.

"The toy drive is a great way to give back to the community," commented redshirt senior Demetris Morant. "Sometimes you have to take a step back from everything and this is a chance for us to do that. Last year was incredible. Delivering the toys to the kids and spending time with them after was unforgettable."

"This is one of my favorite events every year," noted redshirt junior Taylor Gradinjan. "We take a lot of pride in giving back to a community that supports us. Making the holidays brighter for these children is very special for all of us."

This season's version of the holiday punch pass features a three or five game option. This allows fans to see three games – one men's contest and two women's contests – for just $15, or five games for $25, representing a 50-percent savings. Fans will receive a pass, and upon entry into Alico Arena it will be punched. Eligible games include:

Dec. 9 | 5:15 PM | Doubleheader vs. Siena
Dec. 11 | 8:15 PM | Men vs. FIU
Dec. 13 | 7 PM | Men vs. Georgia Southern
Dec. 14 | 7 PM | Women vs. North Carolina A&T
Dec. 20 | 7 PM | Women vs. Chattanooga
Dec. 21 | 7 PM | Women vs. St. Thomas
Dec. 22 | 7 PM | Men vs. Florida National
Dec. 29 | 7 PM | Women vs. Hampton
Dec. 30 | 7 PM | Women vs. UC Riverside
Dec. 31 | 1 PM | Men vs. Florida Tech
 
To secure a punch pass, or for more information, visit the Alico Arena Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call the office at 239-590-7145 or log on to FGCUAthletics.com/Tickets.

The FGCU men are 5-3 heading into Friday's doubleheader against Siena, with wins over UT Arlington and Long Beach State. Every loss for the men have come against Power 5 foes, with the latest a controversial 78-77 defeat to Michigan State. Since then, the Green and Blue have won four-straight games.

The women bounced back from a difficult Gulf Coast Showcase, which featured the likes of Top 25 programs in Baylor, Ohio State, and DePaul. At 3-5, FGCU enters a stretch where the Eagles will play seven of their next nine contests at home before beginning ASUN Conference play.

STAY CONNECTED
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the men's basketball program, follow @FGCU_MBB on Twitter and Instagram, and "Like" us on Facebook at /FGCUMBB. For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the women's basketball program, follow @FGCU_WBB on Twitter, @FGCUWBB on Instagram, and "Like" us on Facebook at /FGCUWBB. In addition, fans are encouraged to download the Wings Up app and check in at games for prizes.
 
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.