It was the most wonderful time of the year for more than 1,000 underserved children in the area as they received new toys that were collected as part of the 2010 Cleveland Cavaliers and Lake Erie Monsters Toy Drive presented by Charter One. More than 1,000 new toys collected between November 24th and December 8th were distributed to agencies including East End Neighborhood House, Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Merrick House and Westside Ecumenical Ministries.

On Thursday, December 16th, the Cavs, Monsters and Charter One held a holiday party at Quicken Loans Arena to present toys to approximately 75 children from East End Neighborhood House and Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.

An atmosphere of comfort and joy, children decorated holiday cookies with the MonSquad, participated in crafts with the Cavalier Girls and Scream Team and goofed around with Cavaliers mascot Sir C.C. and Monsters mascot Sully. Additionally, the big man himself made an appearance—Santa Claus stopped by The Q for a special visit to the boys and girls on his nice list!

As part of the Cavaliers’ and Monsters’ 2010 Season of Giving, toys were collected at the entrances of Quicken Loans Arena, Charter One branches throughout the community and the Cleveland Quicken Loans offices.

"Charter One colleagues and customers are committed to making the holidays a little brighter for children in need. Now more than 1,000 children will receive a gift and get to experience the magic of the holidays," said Ken Marblestone, President of Charter One, Ohio.

In addition to fans donating at games and Charter One locations, one group contributed extensively to the 2010 Toy Drive success. Teen Leadership Corps ran a toy drive in 10 local high schools giving all the donations to the Toy Drive. Teen Leadership Corps is a local non-profit organization currently in 10 participating high schools that is dedicated to inspiring and empowering teen leaders to make a difference in their schools and communities.