MACON, Ga. – To give back to the community in the season of giving, the Mercer Women's Basketball team has again teamed up with the United Way of Central Georgia's "The MERRIE Christmas Project" for Sunday's game versus UCF.
Tipoff against the Knights in Hawkins Arena is set for 2 p.m.
 
Fans will receive free admission to the game if they bring an unwrapped toy or stuffed animal to the game to donate. Additionally, there will be a teddy bear toss at halftime with a prize being given to the fan who can get their toy closest to center court.

The teddy bears donated will directly benefit the Brookdale Warming Center.
 
"Merrie Kaplan was a dear friend to me and a great supporter of our program," said head coach Susie Gardner. "The entire Kaplan family are loved throughout Macon. What Mike and Nancy are doing, along with United Way in terms of being able to help some folks in our community have Christmas. I know that they've touched a lot of lives the last few years. It's going strong in Merrie's name and in her honor, and I'm just honored and blessed that I can be a small part of this great service to our community, and I miss Merrie every day. I'm just so thankful that her life and the way she lived her life can live on."

The United Way of Central Georgia unveiled 'The MERRIE Christmas Project' two years ago with the help of Mike and Nancy Kaplan, parents of the late Merrie Kaplan. Merrie Kaplan was born with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition. She was known throughout central Georgia as a friendly, outgoing woman who brought joy wherever she went. Now, her memory will bring joy across United Way of Central Georgia's 14-county service area.
 
"Many of my fondest childhood memories revolve around Christmas, and how magical that time of year was at our house," said George McCanless, President & CEO of United Way.  "I've always wanted to find a way to help those less fortunate experience those same feelings, and so it was serendipitous when Nancy and Mike asked us to work with them on this project to celebrate the special person that Merrie was.  We are honored to work with them to help as many local families as possible truly have a Merrie Christmas."
 
Merrie's love for Christmas sparked the idea for this project, whose fundraising effort is aimed at providing gifts, holiday décor, and food to families in need during the Christmas season.
 
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