Radio M*A*S*H Toy Drive Kicks Off, Families In Need Growing For ...

It's a season for sharing in the Brazos Valley as the 29th annual Brazos Valley Communications M*A*S*H Toy Drive got under way and many other charities are hoping to make Christmas time brighter for families too.

The need from the less fortunate continues to grow.

Christmas cheer is filling the sights, sounds and even airwaves of Bryan / College Station.

The 29th annual Radio M*A*S*H Toy Drive tents are up and the toys are rolling in outside the Post Oak Mall.

Lindsey Jones and her daughter Abigaile of Bryan come every year to donate.

"Well we had some dress up items, we have boys like little cars, we have lots of books and even some board games," said Lindsey Jones.

The A&M Singing Cadets stopped by too while Brazos Valley Communications radio stations broadcast live.

Adam Drake is a program director and host for 98.3 KORA and is working to make a smile happen.

"Everything is local, everything is right here and you never know if it's going to be your next-door neighbor or the kid down the street," said Drake.

6,000 wish lists are being filled as the need continues to grow. It's 500 more people than last year with the two new counties of Burleson and Robertson.

"We have the privilege to take these lists of families of their children and choose toys for each of the children and then we pack them up," said Elizabeth Martinez, a M*A*S*H Volunteer.

But needs are growing elsewhere too.

This year 2,000 angels are on the Salvation Army Angel trees in B/CS; a more than 10 percent increase.

And the Brazos Valley Food Bank continues to feed more families as Executive Director Theresa Mangapora explained.

"For 2011 it was over 50,000 unique individuals and I think it's going to be that and more. Our poundage was four million pounds and I think it?ll be around that again," she said.

"It's not just a season for getting but for giving as well," said Lindsey Jones.

The Radio M*A*S*H Toy Drive wraps up Monday morning at the Post Oak Mall.

Salvation Army Angel Tree locations include the Post Oak Mall, the Bryan and College Station Walmarts and several local restaurants including Chick Fil-A, Cracker Barrel, and Applebee's.

And of course KBTX will be helping provide groceries for area families at our annual Food For Families event next Wednesday December 5th.

Source: http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Radio-MASH-Toy-Drive-Kicks-Off-Families-In-Need-Growing-For-Other-Groups-Too-181481571.html

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