Community Relations

Our company’s Core Purpose is to provide value to Milton Hershey School (MHS), the home and school that Milton and Catherine Hershey founded in 1909. The Hershey Bears hockey club engages with the School’s students and staff members throughout the season.

Annually, the team practices at the School’s outdoor rink followed by lunch with the MHS Middle and Senior Division hockey teams and coaches. It has become a favorite team tradition.

Players enjoy visiting the MHS Elementary Division. From participating in gym class, having fun at recess, distributing plush from the Teddy Bear Toss, or helping with a science project, the players cherish the opportunities to connect with MHS students.

The Hershey Bears frequently visit the Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital throughout the season, reflecting our company's philanthropic commitment to children and families. Whether it is playing games with patients, posing for photos with hospital staff, or visiting patient rooms, players understand the importance of connecting with and serving as a momentary distraction to families facing a challenging time.

The National Hockey League launched the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative in 1998, with the American Hockey League joining the campaign shortly thereafter. Each November, the hockey community unites to support those battling cancer, remember the lives we have lost, and celebrate survivors everywhere. Lavender, the universal awareness color for all types of cancer, adorns rinks, venues, and jerseys across both leagues. Teams customize the month-long celebration for its community, players, coaches, and fans touched by cancer.

The Bears are proud to participate in Hockey Fights Cancer by wearing specialty jerseys, sharing personal stories, visiting patients affected by this disease, and raising awareness of cancer prevention, research, and fundraising.

The Hershey Bears are proud to honor active military personnel, veterans, and first responders with Hometown Heroes games. Early in the season, players visit Fort Indiantown Gap to deliver game tickets and meet with soldiers and their families.

Our Seats for Soldiers & Veterans program gives fans and corporate partners the opportunity to purchase tickets that are donated to military and first responder families to enjoy a game.

ASHA ensures that hockey is accessible to everyone, and the Hershey Bears participate in an annual skate with local teams, including York Polar Bears, Hershey Heroes, Palmyra Sled Hockey, and Hershey Twizzlers.

We are proud to partner with Triumph Together to provide local kids with memorable experiences by connecting them with professional athletes, like our own Grant Cruikshank, and other Bears players. Whether battling a chronic illness or navigating a recent diagnosis or treatment, Grant and his teammates give children a night free from the challenges they face.