With sincere gratitude, the family of KBTX Media thanks everyone for your overwhelming generosity and support of the 2010 Food for Families Food Drive benefiting the Brazos Valley Food Bank and the thousands of people who struggle to find their next meal.

While experiencing overall economic challenge, the Brazos Valley responded with record giving, shattering all previous year’s totals.  With the number still climbing, cash giving exceeded $121,000, a 60%+ increase from 2009.  Food and necessity donations are still coming in and now total well over 217,000 pounds, a significant increase from last year.

This effort required many hours of preparation and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who responded to the need.  On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, thousands more came to the Brazos Center for the Bryan-College Station collection site, the Kimbro Center in Madisonville and Mid-South Synergy in Navasota to donate.  We visited with people from all surrounding communities who came together for a common cause, addressing a need too often regarded as only a concern, not a true problem.  It takes only a moment to see numbers and statistics released from the Brazos Food Bank and other community pantries and services that benefit from this annual Food Drive to know how many people are fighting hunger in their lives.

One of the joys that come from this event is to see the smiling faces of area school children who are being taught at a very early age to share with others.  Once again in 2010, thousands came to be part of the effort.  Some served as entertainment during the event while the line of cars stretched out of the parking lot. Others made contributions one item at a time that added up to one huge donation.  I don’t think they realize how impactful their actions are or how much any amount, small, medium or large, contributes to the whole picture to serve the common good.  But that generation will someday be entrusted to care for people who may still have difficulty feeding their families.  Our hope, prayer, desire, wish – whatever your faith or belief may or may not be – is that by that time hunger will be extinct. We all know, however, that most likely will not be the case.

As wonderful as Wednesday was, the need goes on.  Donations will be needed throughout the year.  But because of the support of so many, the holiday season will be brighter, families can celebrate just a little more, and the joys of this time of the year will be made real for those who receive much needed help. 

I’ve always believed that part of our responsibility is that KBTX Media do all we can to help improve life for those we serve throughout this large region, but nothing happens without a strong partnership with the Brazos Valley.  For 53-years, we’ve worked through our difference, celebrated success, suffered together tragedy, laughed and shed a tear.  Families are like that.  And Wednesday was a day when we all came together for one cause.  Hopefully that success can serve as an example to all of us.  We indeed are better together.  As a result, lives were and will continue to be changed.

Special thanks again to the person who brought this concept to the Brazos Valley many years ago.  Jim Baronet is former General Manager of KBTX.  He came to Bryan-College Station from another Buddy Bostick-owned television station in Louisiana.  His vision not only became reality, but the best way to honor Jim and his leadership in helping KBTX become a stronger community partner was exemplified by the record-setting Wednesday, building on an idea, serving more people year after year.  Someone has to have an idea.  It has to start somewhere.  Jim, we thank you for what you did to make an impact on so many.

All of us at KBTX Media wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and may all of life’s blessings be yours in the coming New Year.

Mike Wright

VP/General Manager

KBTX Media