BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Condors hockey fans threw thousands of stuffed animals onto the ice at Rabobank Arena over the weekend for the 11th annual Teddy Bear Toss.

This year, a record 8,075 stuffed toys will be given to Kern County children throughout the holiday season.

The United Way of Kern County gathered dozens of volunteers Monday to sort, tag and bag the toys for distribution to children who might not otherwise receive a holiday gift.

"Over the 11 years that we've been doing this, there's been over 60,000 teddy bears collected and given out to children in our community," said Carmen Bernal with United Way. "It's encouraging for that child to know that someone was thinking about them, and it gives them a little hope during their difficult time."

One special teddy bear, dressed in a Condors jersey, will be tracked throughout its journey. The bear was given to the American Legion in Kern County, which says the bear will be sent to a troop in Iraq or Afghanistan who is away from their family during the holidays.