Boston Bruins players spread holiday cheer in the local community

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 18 : Boston Bruins (L to R) Matt Grzelcyk, Patrice Bergeron, Chris Wagner, Charlie McAvoy, Torey Krug, and Anders Bjork visited the kids at Boston Children's Hospital December 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 18 : Boston Bruins (L to R) Matt Grzelcyk, Patrice Bergeron, Chris Wagner, Charlie McAvoy, Torey Krug, and Anders Bjork visited the kids at Boston Children's Hospital December 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children's Hospital)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 18 : Boston Bruins (L to R) Matt Grzelcyk, Patrice Bergeron, Chris Wagner, Charlie McAvoy, Torey Krug, and Anders Bjork visited the kids at Boston Children’s Hospital December 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children’s Hospital)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 18 : Boston Bruins (L to R) Matt Grzelcyk, Patrice Bergeron, Chris Wagner, Charlie McAvoy, Torey Krug, and Anders Bjork visited the kids at Boston Children’s Hospital December 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for Boston Children’s Hospital) /

One of the best parts of the holiday season is that it inspires people to give back and spend time with those who need it most. Teams like the Boston Bruins participate in a number of service projects every year to support the local community.

Zdeno Chara spreads holiday cheer in the community

On Friday, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara partnered with New Balance to provide 2,700 pairs of socks to Boston-area shelters.

Then, Chara went to West End Boys and Girls Club to deliver 130 small gifts to the children. Chara and the children played roller hockey in the newly-renovated gym.

It’s always great to see players like Chara in the community, especially during this time of year. The donations go a long way, but the experiences these children have with Chara and his teammates last forever.

Chara’s commitment to the local community will go down as one of the biggest aspects of his lasting legacy in Boston. Obviously his play on the ice stands out, but his community service makes him so much different than a lot of the other athletes who came through Boston.

Bruins players deliver toys to hospitals around Boston

Earlier this week, the Bruins got the holidays started when the players delivered toys to hospitals around Boston. This is an annual event for the Bruins, and it always delivers.

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1207450471763496960

What stands out about this event is how some of the players dress up in holiday costumes. Chara wore a Santa hat with Danton Heinen, while Brad Marchand dressed up like a Christmas tree.

Others groups of players went to different hospitals, and most of them were in costume as well.

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1207412181190488064

Players like Jake DeBrusk (who rocked a Santa outfit) took off the skates and played some air hockey with the children at the hospitals.

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1207382897231052806

Again, the annual holiday toy delivery is an awesome event that the Bruins put on. Everybody loves to see the players spend time in the community, especially while they wear festive costumes!

Most importantly, the Bruins players make a big difference for children who need it the most. Like we said before, these experiences last a lifetime.