Local radio stations KOXE 101.3 and Wendlee Broadcasting (KQBZ The Breeze 96.9 & Newstalk 102.3) helped gather nearly 2000 toys and helped to raise over $15,000 during toy drives Wednesday benefitting Brown County Toys For Kids.
The Wendlee Broadcasting crew was set up on Main Street in the Bank of America parking lot in their third annual Wendlee Broadcasting Toys for Kids Toy Drive.
Newstalk personality Brian Wade reported that over $3200 was donated through the drive and they helped secure another $5000 this past weekend from a single contributor. They also collected approximately 752 toys during the drive. He stated, “It’s a blessing to be involved.”
National Guard members brought toys to kick off the drive and manned the first shift of workers, gathering monetary donations from vehicles passing by.
Congressman Mike Conaway also stopped by the Wendlee toy drive to offer his support.
“This is awesome. This is the time of year that some of the best heartwarming stories in our communities tell what the good folks across our district are trying to do,” said Conaway. “It’s good to see people taking care of people.”
KOXE reported that close to $7,000 in cash and over 1192 toys were donated during their annual Two Steppin’ for Toys drive at their radio station studios on Carnegie Wednesday.
Radio personality Carl Wayne of KOXE stated that it was an incredible day.
“Thanks to all the businesses, groups, individuals and others who made it possible. Through their generosity, a lot of children in Brown County will have a bright Christmas,” said Carl Wayne. “Thanks to Guardian EMS for being out here, cooking burgers; and the BHS Lionettes for lending a big hand, and everyone else that came by.”
Toys for Kids is a local program that helps make it possible for some area kids to receive Christmas gifts who otherwise would not get any toys. Toy distribution day is scheduled for Saturday December 21st and will begin around 8:00 a.m. and last through 5:00 p.m. Each child receives approximately three toys (depending on donations received) through the program so the number of toys needed is huge. Approximately 1600 kids were registered as of Wednesday according to Toys for Kids officials.
To make a donation directly to Toys for Kids, for more information, or to volunteer, call Toys for Kids at 325-646-6822.
Pictured above are National Guard members, Congressman Mike Conaway (center) and Wendlee radio personalities Ben Cox (center back row) and Brian Wade (far right).
Below are more photos from both toy drive locations Wednesday.
Toys donated to KOXE during their drive.
Marian Deans of BHCS Home Health helps gather monetary donations during KOXE’s drive
Heart of Texas EMS representatives with Carl Wayne as they dropped off donations of toys.
Brent Wade helps collect money at Wendlee’s toy drive.
Gloria Garza of Toys for kids with her son gathering money at the toy drive.
Wendlee Broadcasting’s toy collections during the drive.
