Store open through December 22

The Waddle In Shop, the official merchandise store of the Long Island Ducks, has officially opened for the holiday season. The store will remain open through Tuesday, Dec. 22 with hours Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The holiday shopping season kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 5 with visits from QuackerJack and of course, Santa Claus! In addition, Ducks manager Kevin Baez and pitcher Bruce Kern were also in attendance. Fans can now browse a wide range of official Ducks merchandise, including BRAND NEW winter apparel, knit hats, t-shirts, polos and novelty items. There is something for each and every Ducks fan in your life, so be sure to stop on by.

In conjunction with the holiday shopping season, the Ducks will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at Bethpage Ballpark between Dec. 5 and 18 during store hours as part of their annual Holiday Toy Drive. The toys will be delivered by members of the Ducks Street Team to the pediatric units of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital and Stony Brook University Medical Center for those spending the holidays in the hospital. Pediatric patients range from newborn to 24 years of age. Hospitals have made the following suggestions for gifts based on the age of patients:

Newborn-12 Months: Rattles, stuffed animals, board books, bibs
1-3 Years: Shape sorters, soft bath books, pop-up toys, ring stacks
4-7 Years: Board games, action figures, sticker sets, books
8-11 Years: Arts and crafts kits, board games, card games, new release videos (G & PG)
12-18 Years: Music/movie gift certificates, electronic games, journals, sports items, new release videos (PG & PG-13)
18 and Up: Restaurant/music/movie gift cards, new release videos or DVDs, comfort items, sports items
Gifts for Any Age: Pillows, blankets, gift cards, holiday items, disposable cameras

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

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