Over 1,000 Letters Taxes Christmas Wish

With 1,000 letters for help recieved already and more on the way this year is going to be a tough one for the WOMI/WBKR/Telecom Pioneers Christmas Wish Program.

Blame it on unemployment or rising prices or just use the term poor economy, it all translates to many more people who need help. The alternative is to do without and when it comes to kids at Christmas doing without......it is unacceptible.

Christmas Wish have been around 35 years. The idea is simple, local people granting wishes for those without during the Holiday Season. I can remember when the program began. I worked for the "other station" in town. At that time it was considered teason to do anything with the competition. I crossed enemy lines that Christmas to help with Christmas Wish. There was an old house trailer set up behine the radio station and people came from early morning till late at night to either drop off letters with wishes or reading letters and taking a wish letter to grant. The programs was and still is unique to WOMI/WBKR.

So what has changed in 35+ years? The need seems to be greater. I can remember 200, 400 and 600 letters taxing the system but this year......1,000 and growing. It is a tall order.

For those who are concerned about the validity of the letters and needs, let me assure you each letter is checked out. This insures no duplicates and that there is truly a need. I will not go into how this is done but I will say it's a system 35 years in the making and it works.

This year there is a call for more clothing, shoes, diapers, food and other necessities. Not too many "creature comforts" are on the lists. People just need help with food, shelter and clothing.

I took some pictures and have posted them here. As you can see there are several ways you can help. Donations, bidding on a big screen TV, purchasing Christmas Wish Supporter Shirts are some ways.

At the WOMI/WBKR studios, located at 3301 Frederica St., we have several VIP Passes to the Santa Claus Land of Lights in exchange for a $25 donation. We also have one copy of Glenn Becks new book, Being George Washington. That book will go to the first person who writes a$100 Check to Christmas Wish.

Years ago I discovered that it truly is better to give than recieve. This year please consider giving what you can and see for yourself. The feeling will keep you warm all winter.

Many of those who began the program are gone but several "seasoned veterans" continue to work each year because it's the right thing to do. Each year more listeners jump on the bandwagon to help. If you doubt the need just come by headquarters, located in Towne Square Mall, and read of few letters.  It will break your heart to read some of these stories.

I stopped by headquarters the other day and a gentleman from Kenergy brought in over $300 raised that morning by the construction crew.