As you celebrate Christmas just know that many precious girls and boys in the tri-state will wake up with presents under the tree because of YOUR generosity!

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The 42nd Annual WBKR Christmas Wish helped 3,809 children and 1,166 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 900 food baskets 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 200 families were adopted this year which was such a blessing.

There were so many beautiful and tragic stories this year. I will never forget your faces, your tears, the hugs and your hearts. I hope this holiday season is your best one yet!

I'll never forget this wonderful gentleman who walked into the office. He was finally able to get clean and leave his sober living home after a year of hard work. We sat down  and I listened to his story of how he wants to rebuild his life with his children. He was so excited because he had a job interview the next day. I told him how proud I was of him and that we were more than happy to help with his children's Christmas this year. Not, only will his children wake up with bikes under the tree from Santa....BUT, he got the job!

It's always tough around the holidays when you lose someone you love. These two beautiful girls lost their Mom tragically the day after Thanksgiving. Dad was never in the picture. Their Grandparents were left to pick up the pieces and we were humbled to help as they rebuild their lives.

There was a 12-year old little girl who may never know how much she touched us all when she wrote a letter on behalf of a family in need. In great detail she shared the story of a family in poverty and just needing a hand up this holiday season. There will be big things in her future!

A young Mom came to pick up the gifts and food for her family and started crying. She said that she wasn't looking forward to Christmas because it's been such a tough year, but now she can't wait for Christmas morning! She wheeled two bicycles to her car with tears in her eyes!

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.

Here's some images from Christmas Wish!

Over 10,000 toys will be under Christmas trees all over the tri-state tomorrow morning because of your generous donations.

Thank you Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Sam's Club, Walmart, Kroger 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!

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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! A heartfelt thanks to the Diamond Lake Campground and Resort family for sharing your time. 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 42nd Annual Christmas Wish a big success!

If you see any owners or employees of these businesses please say thank you on behalf of the community! It's because of their generosity that every dollar raised goes to help families in our communities.

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A BIG thank you to Towne Square Mall who generously donated space again this year and a second space for pick-up. We couldn't have Christmas Wish without you and we truly appreciate it.

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

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

Our volunteers work so many tireless hours and it's amazing that these fine folks feed them through the season! Please thank them for supporting the Christmas Wish volunteers and the mission. They’re amazing and the food and drinks are appreciated more than they could ever know! Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits, Chick-fil-A Owensboro, PizzAroma, Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill, Firehouse Subs, Raising Cane's and CocaCola Bottling Company in Owensboro.

We'd also like to thank everyone that held fundraisers to help the cause! The list is long and the effort was amazing from SO many local businesses and restaurants in the community. This was our biggest fundraising effort to date. SO amazing!

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We'll see you next year for the 43rd Annual Christmas Wish. Merry Christmas and we appreciate all of you and your commitment to the cause!

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