The 36th Annual Share Your Christmas Food Drive is in the books after a full day of raising money and canned goods for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
And thanks to your generosity it was a big success that will benefit countless residents in the 11 counties throughout South Texas the organization serves.
Totals started rolling in Friday night on just how much was raised this year. The event saw roughly $112,849.84 providing 451,399 meals. That's more money raised over last year and will directly go back to those who struggle with hunger.
The Share Your Christmas Food Drive did not disappoint. There were plenty of performances throughout the day as school groups and community members joined forces.
Then there was the generosity that came in the form of big checks and canned goods. Melanie Salinas from Hypebyke was among the supporters who stopped by.
"Let's turn it into a food 'ride' so we brought bike rider friends out here and we escorted food that was donated to the Coastal Bend Food Bank," she said.
The event took place at the new location for the Food Bank on Bear Lane, the facility five times larger than the old location which allows them to help serve even more residents in an 11 county area.
"I can feel the spirit back, people willing to give, we've all been through tough times, Christmas is a time for hope, without the community couldn't do any of this," said Coastal Bend Food Bank Executive Director Bea Hanson.
Hanson said that the new facility provides more than enough space.
"The government has already approached us since we have plenty of storage to start a new program for the elderly will be sending extra food just for that, the doors have been open, we will never have to reject a load because we don't have room," she said.
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo proclaimed the day as the official Share Your Christmas Day in the city. 3NEWS alumni Joe Gazin and Katia Uriate, were also at the event.
The more money, the bigger impact no matter how big or small that donation is. Dahlia Vansickle drove out from George West along with her four legged helper. She got emotional when she handed over her check donation.
"It is very needed and well deserved. There are so many people who do not get a chance to eat, you might think that's impossible," she said.
Proving there's no better way to celebrate the holidays than to give back.
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