Eden Prairie Boys Hockey Helps Families Celebrate What Matters Most

No matter their circumstances, everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Birthdays are a meaningful reminder of that truth—and this winter, the Eden Prairie Eagles boys hockey program stepped up to help ensure local families didn’t miss those special moments.

On December 4, the Eden Prairie junior varsity and varsity boys hockey teams partnered with PROP Food for a service project centered on kindness, dignity, and community. During their games against the Chanhassen Storm, the teams collected donations to assemble birthday bag kits for families served by PROP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Eden Prairie and Chanhassen residents with food, housing, and employment needs.

The matchup provided a fitting backdrop for the initiative, as PROP serves both communities represented on the ice. Fans and community members were invited to donate new, unopened cake mix, frosting, and candles—the three essential items for each birthday bag—at the Eden Prairie Community Center rink throughout the evening.

The teams set an ambitious goal: to collect enough donations to assemble 200 birthday bags for families in need.

“People had the option to contribute to the PROP general fund, donate specific items for the birthday bags, or both,” said Sharon Moten, service project lead. “We also had a table set up so people could learn more about PROP and the services available in our community.”

In addition to donated items, cash contributions were accepted and used to purchase additional supplies. PROP also welcomed 8-by-10-inch gift bags in excellent condition to help complete each kit.

PROP’s Director of Development and Communications, Prima Sisinni, emphasized the importance of the project. “Celebrating birthdays is such an integral part of family life, but it’s often something that goes by the wayside for clients who come to us,” she said. “Going back to PROP’s vision of neighbors helping neighbors—this is children helping children.”

The service project continued on December 7, when the junior varsity and varsity teams, along with team managers, assembled the birthday bags at the PROP facility. This hands-on experience allowed student-athletes to learn more about food insecurity and the broader challenges families face within their own community.

“I think giving back locally is so valuable,” Moten shared. “When people think about who’s in need, they don’t always think about Eden Prairie. Seeing it firsthand and doing something about it is powerful—and memorable.”

First-year varsity head coach Lincoln Nguyen echoed that sentiment. “While we compete hard on the ice, this initiative reminds us that some of our most important victories happen off it,” he said. “Coming together with another program for a shared cause reflects the character, leadership, and compassion we strive to instill in our athletes.”

The project also highlighted PROP’s deep roots in the community. Sisinni and Moten discovered family connections to PROP dating back decades, reinforcing the organization’s long-standing mission of neighbors helping neighbors since its founding in 1971.

By collecting donations, assembling birthday bags, and learning about the broader impact of food insecurity, the Eden Prairie boys hockey teams demonstrated that leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about service.

Final Impact

Thanks to the generosity of the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities, the team collected 710 pounds of cake mix, frosting, candles, and other supplies, assembling 184 birthday bags for families in need.

Through this meaningful initiative, these student-athletes proved that no matter your age, you can make a difference—and help ensure every child has a reason to celebrate.

Local news coverage:
https://www.eplocalnews.org/2025/11/25/eagles-birthday-boost-eden-prairie-boys-hockey-teams-and-prop-food-help-families-celebrate-birthdays/

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