Local radio stations KOXE 101.3 and Wendlee Broadcasting (KQBZ The Breeze 96.9 & Newstalk 102.3) helped to collectively raise approximately $12,000 cash and collected 3200 toys for Brown County Toys for Kids on Wednesday.
KOXE and their staff held their annual Two Steppin’ for Toys drive at their radio station studios on Carnegie. Volunteers held signs and collected donations from drivers passing by.Carl Wayne of KOXE was excited of the toy drive’s success, stating “On behalf of everyone with Toys for Kids, we at KOXE would just like to say thank you again to everyone that made those donations of toys and money. And thanks to everyone who helped out here during the day, braving the cold weather. The Brownwood area once again showed that it is a very giving and caring community. Lots of kids will benefit greatly from your generosity.”
The Wendlee Broadcasting crew was set up on Main Street in the Bank of America parking lot in their fourth annual Wendlee Broadcasting Toys for Kids Toy Drive. Volunteers also helped at this location to collect donations from drivers.
Ben Cox of KQBZ the Breeze 96.9 enjoyed the experience stating that it was moving to see how many people gave, some often multiple times during the drive.
“It was a moving experience that I am always grateful to be a part of. We had one pair of ladies who came not once, nor twice, but three times with bags and bags of toys each time, after we told them that the age group of 2 years old and under was desperately in need of donations,” said Cox. “I was very nearly brought to tears by the generosity of those ladies, as well as all the other donations that kept coming in.”
Leland Acker of News Talk 102.3 stated that the drive helped put volunteers and those making donations into the Christmas spirit.
“If you weren’t in the Christmas spirit before the Toys for Kids drive, you must be now,” said Acker. “Businesses, residents, and even the National Guard came together to give area children a Merry Christmas. It’s that moment when we are able to set our own schedules aside and focus on those around us.”
Cox agreed that Brown County residents came through as always for a good cause.
“We had people drive up in cars that were very expensive, and cars that were obviously on their fourth or fifth owner, and all of them gave what they could. It was very much like the parable of the women and the coins. The smallest donations were often times the biggest. I’ve always said that Brownwood and Brown County residents take care of their own. The toy drive reinforced that in such a big way,” said Cox. “I’d like to personally thank each person who donated, no matter how large or small the gift. You made Christmas come alive for a child, and that is noble.”
