Christmas came early for 100 children on Cleveland’s near west side, when on Monday they were treated to toys, treats and - most importantly - holiday cheer, from several players from the Lake Erie Monsters and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Monsters players Barry Goers, Calvin Pickard, Karl Stollery and Dean Strong joined Cavs players Kevin Jones, Jeremy Pargo, Donald Sloan and Luke Walton at the City of Cleveland’s Halloran Park to hand out toys collected from the teams’ annual drive. Fans graciously donated new, unwrapped toys at Cavs and Monsters home games in November and December to benefit local kids.

Adding to the smiles and laughter on Monday were of course team mascots Sully, Moondog and Sir C.C.

The children at the event were part of Halloran’s youth hockey program, whom the Monsters started a unique partnership with at the start of the 2012-13 season. As part of that relationship, the Monsters are providing resources, support and experience to enhance the experience of those taking part in the hockey program.

Not only did the kids in attendance receive toys, but they also had the chance to spend some quality holiday time with the Monsters and Cavs players. Kids were able to skate on Halloran’s outdoor rink with the Monsters players, while those on dry land decorated cookies and read with Cavs players.

Despite being outdoors, the warmth of the holiday spirit was truly felt for not only the children at Halloran Park on Monday, but for the professional athletes there as well.