In an effort to make a few lives more pleasant this holiday season, the Hicksville Ice Hockey Club has decided to collect toys for the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" program.

The toys will be collected before the club's annual Homecoming game on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. at Cantiague Park versus their archrivals, Massapequa. In a pre-game ceremony, the toys will be presented to the Marines in their dress blue uniforms.

In addition, the team will present a token of their condolences to four Hicksville families who have lost loved ones this year. The Karman Family, the Lovastik Family, the Howard Family and The Petersen Family.

To culminate the ceremony, guest vocalist, Gabrielle Sterbenz will sing a-cappella versions of The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Toys for Tots program may do so by bringing an unused, unwrapped toy to the game or to Skate for Gold - Hockey & Figure Skating Pro Shop located in the Delco Plaza in Hicksville. On Dec. 20, all toys will be transported to Cantiague Park for the presentation.