As you celebrate Christmas today just know that many little girls and boys in the tri-state woke up with presents under the tree this morning because of YOUR generosity! I'm humbled. Truly humbled.

The 41st Annual WBKR Christmas Wish helped 4,008 children and 1,219 needy families this year because of YOU and your donations. The stories of those in need were sad in many cases and some letters were very uplifting, but all just wanted a bit of help this year for Christmas. There were tears, a lot of gratitude and many life lessons at the Christmas Wish office this year. We had close to 1000 food baskets this year and EVERY meal had a ham or turkey because so many of you gave. It was a beautiful thing. We thank all of the business who stopped by and gave. All of the individuals who dropped off monetary donations, toys and bikes. Close to 300 families were adopted this year which was a record and such a blessing.

Some of the faces I’ll remember most is the family and friends of Johnathan Gray. They came in with tears in their eyes, read through letters and adopted 20 families in Johnathan’s memory.

I looked into the eyes of a beautiful, sick and terminally ill soul whose dying wish was to help two special families that needed a hand up for the holidays.

There was a young father who came in walking with a cane after having a stroke, lives on disability and never has enough to provide Christmas for his girls. We cried and held hands for 20 minutes as he wrote out what his girls would like for the holidays.

There was a Dad in his 30's who came in with a walker. Once he came into the office he had to rest on the chair as less than two months ago he had a massive stroke. With all that he'd been through and getting rehab, he didn't even realize Christmas was coming. He can't work obviously and disability checks hadn't come yet so he just wanted to see if we could do anything to help with gifts for his child.

Last weekend, Tonya Ford tragically passed away. She was a beautiful wife, mother, daughter and friend. As her grieving family laid Tonya to rest, they had her memorial contributions go to Christmas Wish.

I really could go on and on. It was a blessing to hear your stories, cry with you and feel inspired by you. YOU make me a better person and may you heal in the coming days, months and years. We'll be here next year to help again if you need it. Don't worry, "We've got this!".

Here's some images from Christmas Wish!

Over 12,000 toys were under Christmas trees all over the tri-state this morning because of your generous donations.

Thank you Big Lots, Rite Aid, Ollie's Bargain Outlet and Toys for Tots for your special help this year. You make shopping for all of these families so much easier and we look forward to working with you again next year!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who put in so many hours to make Christmas Wish happen year after year! A super special thanks to the volunteers from US Bank Home Mortgage! Without all of these wonderful volunteers, Christmas Wish wouldn’t be a success.

I'd also like to take a moment to thank these fine businesses for everything they donated to make the 41st Annual Christmas Wish a big success!

A BIG thank you to Towne Square Mall who generously donated space again this year and a second space for pick-up. We truly appreciate it.

Also, Greenwell Chisholm Printing Company, Bako’s Party Rentals, RiverPark Center, Lang Office Equipment, Green River Appliance & Furniture and Office Equipment Company.

Swedish Match Co., Kimberly-Clark Paper Co., Daviess County Pork Producers & Kentucky Legend – Donations for Food Baskets

Food for Volunteers: Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits, Chick-fil-A, Legends Sports Bar & Grill, Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill, JJ’s Pizza & Coca Cola Bottling Company in Owensboro.

Henderson Chevrolet, Buick, GMC –Satellite Studio Sponsor

We'll see you next year for the 42nd Annual Christmas Wish. Merry Christmas and we appreciate all of you and your commitment to the cause!

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