KWED Radio expresses gratitude for strong support of its annual drive

(Seguin) — While the crowds, donations, and excitement of Friday’s KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive took center stage, another story quietly shone behind the scenes. That story is the generosity of local businesses, who helped make the 25th anniversary event possible.

One of the most enthusiastic supporters that morning was Chick-fil-A Seguin. The restaurant has only been open for 7 weeks, and already it has been making a difference throughout the community.

Franchise owner Weillen Garduno-Hernandez says she was amazed by the outpouring of giving she witnessed in downtown Seguin. Chick-fil-A not only donated breakfast items for volunteers, but it also delivered a truckload of toys.

“This is very important to us as Chick-fil-A Seguin and then also for myself. It’s really important that I serve the community well and so we wanted to make sure that we could help you guys collect as many toys as possible and so, yesterday, we did give out free ice cream cones for every toy or food brought. We were hoping to support as much as we can next year,” said Garduno-Hernandez.

Another longtime supporter, Sterling Schulze of Angel Pest Control, also stopped by and shared the importance of giving back. He says the annual drive is a reminder of how local businesses can rally together to support neighbors in need.

“You are so overcome with joy from the support from the community – as a business – and you say what can I do to give back and I heard it earlier from Mayor Dodgen. She says everybody just does a little part and that’s all we can do – a little heavy lifting goes a long way and that’s what we want to do and give back to the community,” said Schulze.

Seguin Walmart associates Tricia Scott and Sylvia Moreno also joined the drive. Not only did they roll up their sleeves to participate in the day’s efforts, but they were on hand to present a special donation.

“As the Walmart store, we have a donation to give – a gift card and we also did take up a collection amongst all of our associates at the store. So, we brought a second gift card as well to use for whatever is needed,” said Tricia

The radio station also relied heavily on businesses that didn’t hesitate to step up and help keep the tradition going on the Guadalupe County Courthouse lawn.

This year’s major sponsors, whose financial and in-kind support “powered the event” included 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, Heideke’s Country Kennels, Diamond Air, Mi Chula’s Taco Stand, Noe’s Café, Fresh Donuts, Agave Coffee, and Donut Palace.

The annual drive reported nearly $8,000 in cash donations in just two hours. It also collected several truckloads of food, toys, and new items this year– coats. You can view photos of this year’s holiday drive in today’s online edition of the Seguin Daily News at SeguinToday.com.