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Evgeni Malkin's visit and special delivery brightens the day for families in Pittsburgh
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Penguins' Evgeni Malkin spent the day visiting families at the RMHC and making a very special delivery, bringing Joie Baby products to those in need.
Evgeni Malkin spent Thursday morning continuing a tradition that has become an important part of his seasons in Pittsburgh.
For several years, Malkin has supported the Ronald McDonald House through his 'I'm Score for Kids' initiative, donating $710 for every regular-season point he records.
After personally delivering last season's donation, he returned today to bring Joie Baby products to families staying there.
"It's very important for everybody to be here today," Malkin said. "We're lucky to play hockey. It's like, you see how strong people are. I'm glad to work with the Ronald McDonald House. I want to say Merry Christmas to everybody."
What Evgeni Malkin and his Penguins teammates did today
From there, Malkin made the short walk to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for the Penguins' annual holiday visit, a team tradition that stretches back decades.
Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, Anthony Mantha, Tristan Jarry, Harrison Brunicke, Blake Lizotte, Danton Heinen, Parker Wotherspoon, and Matt Dumba joined him as the group met families navigating long hospital stays.
Why these Penguins hospital visits are so important for families
Kristen Crawford and her son, Kellan, were among them. The family recently moved to Pittsburgh from Seattle for medical care, and the visit added an uplifting moment to the child's discharge day.
Kellan, who lives with short bowel syndrome and faces regular hospital admissions, lit up when learning about the career goal totals of Crosby and Malkin.
On another floor, Carson Fischer welcomed Rust, Mantha, Jarry, Brunicke, Lizotte, Heinen, Wotherspoon, and Dumba into a room decorated for Christmas.
Carson has been receiving treatment for 14 months and spent the morning baking cookies when the players arrived, bringing welcome relief during a challenging stretch for his family.
For the Penguins, the visit highlighted the impact players can have away from the rink and reinforced the importance of continuing traditions that support families throughout Pittsburgh.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 143 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin's visit and special delivery brightens the day for families in Pittsburgh Is Evgeni Malkin one of the kindest athletes you know? | ||
| Yes | 106 | 74.1 % |
| No | 37 | 25.9 % |
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