MASH sets new records

Brenda Poe, The Huntsville Item, Texas
·2 min read

Dec. 14—* Radio MASH Toy and Food Drive 2023 is in the books with over $10K raised for the community.

The name itself gives reason for the annual drive — Make A Smile Happen (MASH). The effort netted $8381.85 in cash and checks with VeraBank donating $1,000. There were also $1,080 in gift cards donated during the event, surpassing the 2022 total of $6,979.84.

Also donated during the drive, held at H-E-B, location sponsor, were 1,771 toys in the Toy Tent, 1,147 food items in the Mess Tent and a truck load of pet supplies at the Pup Tent.

Bryan Reeder, Operations Manager for KSAM 101.7 and 94.1 & 104.9 The Lake, said that many families are struggling in the community.

"Nothing shows the Christmas spirit like giving to our neighbors in need and making a smile happen," said Reeder.

"Rita B is full of loving animals that need food and supplies. For 17 years now, our friends and neighbors have shared with us so that toys, food and pet supplies could brighten Christmas and give hope. We're so thankful to the community for yet another record-breaking year," said Tim Johnson, General Manager of KSAM & The LAKE.

Local partners benefiting from the generosity of the community include Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, Good Shepherd Mission, HISD Social Services, Rita B Huff Animal Adoption Center, SAAFE House, and Santa's Helper's — Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

The major sponsor for Radio MASH was Bill Fick Ford. The Mess Tent was sponsored by Wiesner of Huntsville. The Toy Tent was sponsored by Charlie's Used Cars. The Pup Tent was sponsored by Walker County Veterinary. The Gift Card Drop Box was sponsored by Huntsville Family Medicine.

Johnson said he was thankful for all the sponsors that made the event possible.

The Hometown Hero sponsor was Coburn Supply Co. Donors who gave a $40 donation or donation worth that amount received a t-shirt, which was sponsored by TDCJ, Landscaper's Pride, Silver Back Ju Jitsu, Operation Red Wings Foundation, L&J Detail Shop, Wiesner, Bright Porta Potty and VeraBank.

Each hour of the event was also sponsored by local companies, including Walker County Federal Credit Union, Community Service Credit Union, Land J Detail, Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Huntsville ISD, Operation Red Wings, Texpress Urgent Care, The Huntsville Item, Physical Therapy Associates, VeraBank, Charlie's Used Cars, Postcards, Tomorrow's Promise, Hot Worx, Heartfield Florist, and Huntsville Family Medicine.