The quaint, antiquated custom of waiting for Thanksgiving to begin before observing Christmas has become a fading memory. Stores are bursting with seasonal products, and wintery imagery pours from the media. Here at KZSM 104.1/KZSM.org, our inbox is filling up with original holiday music submitted for “It’s What’s New” (Wednesdays 7-9 p.m.).
In the aftermath of Thanksgiving, when we remember to appreciate what we have, we also remember that not everyone is equally fortunate and that our traditions call upon us to share. As part of our mission to bring the community together, KZSM has begun our sixth annual toy drive.
Bring new, unwrapped toys to our studio at 216 North Guadalupe during business hours, and we’ll put them under the tree for the families served by the Southside Community Center. On the afternoon of Friday December 19, we’ll take the toys to the Center for their Community Christmas Celebration on December 21.
When you drop off your toys, leave your business card in our fishbowl for a chance to win a 30-second radio spot to greet your family and friends for the holidays. If your business can donate a large number of toys, we’ll create and broadcast a 30-second announcement about your services.
Veteran KZSM DJ Metal Mark Moniz started the first toy drive six years ago as a spinoff to his Metal Fest Fundraiser. A couple of participating bands were collecting toys and handed the project over to Mark when they saw his heavy metal Santa suit. He’s continued the drive over the years. After one unproductive Metal Fest drive, Mark had only a few toys to deliver. “There was a family at the shelter that had nothing. I barely got any donations, but to see the woman’s face when I handed them a little bit of toys for her two kids melted my heart, and so after that we decided to put a tree in the window and fill it with presents.”
Again this year, the San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SMUUF) is partnering with KZSM by collecting toys for the drive at their Sunday services. SMUUF has been active in San Marcos since 1987, and has served the community over the years with their donatethe- plate program supporting local non-profits.
We are grateful for their support, and for yours. Come by and help fill the tree with gifts for kids!
