BATESVILLE, Arkansas — A flurry of teddy bears and plush toys rained onto the floor at Becknell Gymnasium on Tuesday night as Lyon College held its annual Furry Frenzy Toy Toss during the Scots' men's basketball game against East Texas Baptist University.

Fans donated 223 stuffed animals as part of the event, organized by the Lyon College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Admission was free for spectators who brought a new stuffed animal, which they tossed onto the court after the Scots' first points of the game.

All of the toys collected will be donated to the Angel Tree program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Batesville, which provides gifts for local children during the holiday season.

"On behalf of the Rotary Club of Batesville, I want to thank everyone who contributed to this year's toy toss at Lyon College," said Tommy Newton, president elect of the club and vice president for enrollment services at Lyon College. "This generosity brings joy to children in our community and reminds us all of the true spirit of giving."

Cross country/track and field led all athletic programs with 70 stuffed animals donated. Among Greek Life organizations, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Phi Mu won a spirited competition among fraternities and sororities, donating 52 and 28 toys, respectively.

"This is one of our favorite service traditions at Lyon because it brings so much joy to the campus and to the children who receive the toys," said SAAC adviser Kortney Cunningham. "The moment when the court is filled with stuffed animals is always meaningful. It's a celebration of generosity, teamwork and the true spirit of the season."

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members were invited to participate in the drive, which has become a staple of Lyon College's winter athletics schedule. For more information, contact Coach Cunningham at Kortney.Cunningham@lyon.edu or visit lyonscots.com.