Feature photo: IG/@DallasStars

Jason Robertson traded his helmet for a Santa hat as he organized the second annual Robo’s Holiday Toy Drive.

Various drop-off locations in Dallas were made available December 2-11 for Stars fans who generously donated unused and unopened toys for kids at Children’s Health in Dallas. This year’s donation pile was estimated to double last year’s collection, creating twice as many special moments for kids and their families.

The forward took it all a step further by surprising patients in person to hand-deliver the presents himself, adding that his favourite toy this year may have been a Barbie hockey player doll that even inspired a potential gift for his niece.

Not only has Robertson been putting in work on the ice (through his first 29 games, his 18 assists led the Stars while his 27 points tied for the team lead with teammate Joe Pavelski), he also put in extra work off the ice to ensure this event was greater than its 2022 edition.

"The holiday season is such a special time of year for family, celebration and giving, and it means a lot to me to be able to bring a little extra joy to kids in our community," said Robertson, also known as Robo to fans and teammates.

One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is to bring kindness and light to those in need, and it is safe to say this year’s toy drive was nothing short of a success as Robo brought smiles to some young faces that deserved them most for a second straight holiday season.

Amid all the festivities, Robertson also made time to host the first annual Robo’s Charity Game – the inaugural veteran’s skate was held Dec. 9 in support of military members and their families.

“My family background, not necessarily veterans, but always knowing to stay humble and how privileged you are to do that. Those people are one of the reasons why you can do that.” Robertson said from the event.

“This is something I’m very passionate about. Bringing families to the game, doing little things that go a long way. Today meant the world to these players and veterans, and even just meeting them afterwards and seeing how much it meant to them, it was very heartwarming.”

The skate featured all kinds of stardom, with Hockey Hall of Famers like Joe Nieuwendyk and Marty Turco, among Stars alumni split into teams with members of the Dallas Warriors – a hockey team that helps injured and disabled U.S. military veterans with a rehabilitation outlet. Current Stars players Wyatt Johnson and Thomas Harley worked as guest coaches, with Team Harley taking home a 6-1 win.

Robertson has already been a big supporter of the military community with initiatives like JR’s Heroes, through which he leads skates for children of currently deployed military members or those who have lost loved ones that served.

In early August, Robertson and his brother, Nick, also partnered with NHLPA Goals & Dreams to support military kids living on an army base through a donation of 25 sets of hockey equipment to the United Heroes League, in conjunction with hosting the Jason & Nick Robertson Hockey Clinic.