Comments caught on air during KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive
(Seguin) – Seguin Radio KWED is still capturing and sharing the magic that listeners heard Friday morning during the station’s 25th annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive.
In just two hours, close to $8,000 was raised for both the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program and Christian Cupboard. This does not include vehicles filled with food, toys and new this year, coats.
Perhaps one of the most significant notes of the event is the success of its move from outside the radio station to the north side of the Guadalupe County Courthouse on East Court Street.
Those on hand couldn’t help but notice that the move to the courthouse lawn brought wider visibility, expanded space, and a renewed sense of community spirit.
Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says the relocation proved to be a great idea for the event’s growing needs.
“Things that work in Seguin – sometimes we just continue them until they work and someone comes up with this cool, better idea and then we just embrace it and move on,” said Dodgen.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher, who quickly approved the move to the courthouse grounds, says providing more “elbow room” was essential as the event continues to expand. He says he has watched the drive grow over the years and did not hesitate to welcome it onto county property.
“I think this a great setting to get everybody in the Christmas spirit – a continuation of last night’s tree lighting. This is definitely winter weather, but this is Texas winter weather so it’s really not that bad. It’s an exciting morning to come by the center of downtown Seguin and Guadalupe County – the historic courthouse to have that Christmas vibe and feeling,” said Kutscher.
City Manager Steve Parker says bringing the event into the heart of downtown helped highlight just how strongly the community rallies together.
“(It was) the safety factor as well as a better location because you get everybody going north, south, east and west and so forth and the downtown businesses are here if they want to come out. We just had Angel Pest Control who drove about five trucks here bringing in food and toys for the kids. It’s been an amazing morning, and this is what this community is all about – giving giving giving,” said Parker.
Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee also attended the event for the first time and says he was amazed by the turnout. He says many of the gifts collected will go to students in his classrooms, and he was deeply moved to see the community step up for local children.
“Our community always rallies, our school district rallies, our community rallies – they do what it takes for our kids and that is what is most important. It’s about building those relationships not just with our students, not just with our families but with the whole community and I think that is on display thanks to KWED and the work that ya’ll are doing,’ said Lee.
Several crews of Seguin fire fighters also hit the streets Friday morning. Seguin Fire Chief Dale Skinner says his fire crews look forward to the drive each year, calling it a unique opportunity for holiday camaraderie among first responders.
“It’s always great to see all the public safety employees coming together for something good. Whenever we encounter them, it is usually on a scene that is not as pleasant as this so again, we get to fellowship together and just have a good time together and no stress, no pressure is great and it warms my soul,” said Skinner.
Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce President Chester Jenke also rolled up his sleeves during the annual holiday drive. Jenke says he looks forward to the event because of what it represents.
“I say this every year. There is no reason a kid should go Christmasless without something underneath the tree. It’s the ultimate magic for them. Believe it or not, Christmas is one of those things that every kid should be able to experience,” said Jenke.
Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 4 Stephen Germann also joined the effort, helping gather donations and greeting residents as they pulled up to give. He says it’s time to wish each other the best.
“The season of taking care of people and love your neighbor – let’s just hope everybody has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” said Germann.
The Seguin Leads group also presented a $500 donation to the drive. Randy Rogers, who delivered the check, says it represents the collective generosity of the group’s business members.
“Everyone of us who is part of this group has gotten a lot out of the community in terms of business support, friendships just experiences working in and living around Seguin and we just want to give back,” said Rogers.
Not only did folks show up to volunteer Friday – but some such as Local businessman Forrest Fletcher and his wife Amber showed up extra early to help KWED staff prepare the site and unload vehicles. Representing both themselves as owners of Factory A/C Direct and the Seguin Leads organization, the couple worked side-by-side with the radio crew throughout the morning.
“I grew up in this community. I have seen all the great things that have happened in this town, and I want to just do what I can and with our business to support the growth and support the happiness and holiday spirit,” said Fletcher.
The rumble of motorcycle engines that morning also signaled the arrival of the American Legion Riders – the group again showed up riding in with a big check made possible thanks to their own internal fundraising efforts. Representing the group was Raul Aguilar.
“I have to be honest, this year Seguin came out for us when we did our fundraiser last Saturday. I mean the community really came out and donated a good amount of toys – a good amount of money so we really appreciate what Seguin did for us and it means a lot to us and to me because I have been on the other side — receiving gifts so to be able to turnaround and give it back is fantastic,” said Aguilar.
Texas Lutheran University also showed up strong, with President Dr. Debbie Cottrell, staff members, and TLU football players all hitting the streets to help.
“This is such a great tradition this time of year. As our students are wrapping up the semester. they love to come out and support this, but we see this as one part of what we do to support the community, and we want that to happen all year long,” said Cottrell.
Seguin Radio KWED also thanks the Seguin High school Band, the Navarro Jazz band and the Navarro intermediate school choir who provided holiday music for the event.
Those who missed Friday’s event still have time to contribute. KWED continues to accept food, toys, and monetary donations on behalf of Blue Santa and the Christian Cupboard. Items may be dropped off at the KWED studios at 609 East Court Street. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
