On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Syracuse Crunch will team with the nonprofit Hillside to raise awareness and funds for foster families across Central New York. The AHL club’s special Chuck‑a‑Puck fundraiser, scheduled for a 5 p.m. puck drop during the game, will allow fans to purchase a puck and toss it onto the ice, with all proceeds directed to Hillside’s foster‑care program, according to cnycentral.com.
Hillside, which is conducting a recruitment drive during National Adoption Month, says the need for foster homes remains high in Onondaga County. John Ballou, a foster‑care trainer and recruiter with Hillside, told cnycentral.com that the agency receives “quite a few inquiries on a monthly basis, but there’s constantly a need for trained foster families in the county.” The organization highlighted a particular shortage of homes for older teenagers, LGBTQ youth, and sibling groups.
Former foster youth Todd Shear, whose family has opened their home to foster children, shared his personal perspective. He said, “We were always putting in our own money towards food or just making sure, you know, the child had everything that they needed,” and added that the event could inspire others to give money, time, or become foster parents. Shear emphasized the lasting impact of fostering, noting, “It’s amazing to know that you may have helped have a little part in that trajectory of changing that little child’s life.”
While foster families receive financial assistance, additional expenses can arise, and the Saturday fundraiser aims to ease those costs while drawing community attention to the ongoing need for more foster parents.
In a broader context, a recent analysis of the 2026 midterm elections showed a dramatic shift among young voters nationwide. According to cnycentral.com, 18‑ to 29‑year‑olds turned out at the second‑highest rate for a midterm in the past 30 years, with 66 % voting for Democratic House candidates and only 31 % supporting Republicans. The swing helped Democrats secure a projected majority in both chambers, reversing gains made by President Trump in the 2024 election.
The report noted that economic frustrations, including concerns about the cost of living, were a primary driver of the shift. Some voters attributed higher living costs to the administration’s tariff policy and the decision to launch a war with Iran, which they said contributed to rising energy prices. While the analysis highlighted these criticisms, it also recorded that many young voters expressed anger about the direction of the country and voted in part to oppose President Trump.Local officials and community leaders say the national mood underscores the importance of addressing economic and social challenges at the grassroots level. The Crunch‑Hillside fundraiser provides a tangible way for Syracuse residents to support families in need while the broader political climate reminds citizens of the impact of policy decisions on everyday life.
What’s next: The Chuck‑a‑Puck event will take place at the Onondaga County War Memorial on Nov. 7 at 5 p.m., with tickets available through the Crunch’s website. Residents are encouraged to attend the game, purchase a puck, and consider fostering or donating to Hillside. The next major election cycle, including local races, will occur in 2026, and community engagement now may shape future outcomes.
Sources: cnycentral.com, cnycentral.com
