WATERTOWN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Bruins players got in the spirit of giving today, holding their annual holiday toy shopping event. 

At the Target in Watertown, team members loaded up their carts with gifts Friday. The toys will go to children in local hospitals who won’t be able to celebrate the holidays at home.

“We’re helping out families and kids that need a little bit of love at this time of year,” said Goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

“A lot of people are going through a lot of tough times,” said Bruins Captain Brad Marchand, “and if there’s an opportunity to bring a smile to anybody’s face, it’s something we want to be a part of.” 

Unsuspecting Target shoppers were star-struck and delighted as The Bruins descended on the toy section, moving up and down the aisles and checking off their lists to make sure every kid’s toys were accounted for.

The team says players and the Bruins Foundation donated a combined $20,000 for the event this year.

WBZ NewsRadio’s Madison Rogers (@madisonwbz) reports.