(Seguin) – As Seguin Radio KWED prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Holiday Food & Toy Drive this Friday, organizers say they don’t want the community to overlook the team that it takes to make this drive possible.
The annual two-hour fundraiser has become the largest food and toy collection effort in Seguin — raising thousands of dollars and truckloads of toys and canned goods each year. And while the event is powered by donors who roll through during the 7 to 9 a.m. hours, KWED says it could never reach this scale without an army of sponsors who step up with monetary gifts, in-kind services, and hands-on support.
KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says the success of the event reflects a community spirit with sponsors contributing everything from vehicles, and manpower to food, space, and logistical support.
He says it’s that level of generosity that helps the drive continue to grow and this year, even relocate.
Friday’s silver-anniversary celebration will take place for the first time on the front lawn of the Guadalupe County Courthouse. The new location offers the room needed for larger crowds, morning performances, easier traffic flow, and expanded donation areas. The drive continues to benefit the Seguin Police Department Blue Santa Program and the Christian Cupboard, with Beck & Beck Buick GMC also collecting new or gently used winter coats onsite.
But KWED says the courthouse move is only part of the story. The heart of the event lies with the sponsors whose names the station hopes residents will hear, remember, thank, and patronize throughout the holiday season and whole next year.
This year’s business partners include Premier Steel Solutions, Seguin Leads, Beck & Beck Buick GMC, Factory A/C Direct, Chick-fil-A, Seguin Walmart, Su Casa Café, Beyond Coffee, Furniture Warehouse, TriCity Distributors, Diamond Air and Heideke’s Country Kennels.
Additional sponsors stepping in to help include Mi Chula’s Taco Stand, Noe’s Cafe, Fresh Donuts and Donut Palace.
Schools are again lending their support, both through campus-wide collection efforts and live performances. The Seguin High School Matador Band will perform from 7 to 8 a.m., followed by the Navarro Jazz Band and the Navarro Intermediate School Choir from 8 to 9 a.m.
Seguin Radio also thanks other volunteer partners and community groups. Volunteers, including community leaders and VIPs, will also be on hand throughout the morning to help load donations.
They include the Seguin Police Department, the Seguin Fire Department, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, the Guadalupe County Fire Rescue, Seguin ISD, Navarro ISD, the city of Seguin, Guadalupe County, Seguin Main Street, the Seguin Downtown Business Alliance, the Seguin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce plus others.
With only a few days left, KWED encourages families to pick up a new toy, canned goods, or a winter coat while out shopping this week. Those unable to attend Friday’s drive can drop off donations in advance at the KWED lobby Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.