Thank You Amarillo For A Record Setting Help 4 The Holidays

Wow. That's all I can say is just, wow. You showed up and showed out Amarillo. Way to flex those muscles. I never could've anticipated this.

After seven long days, 12 hours a day, endless asking, and even sometimes begging, you came out in droves these last few days and shattered our expectation.

We knew it could be tough. I mean, the economy hasn't been nice to anyone, regardless of how well you're doing financially. Asking for help when we know everyone is having to cut back on things, including all of us, well, we know it's tough.

But you never wavered, you heard our call for help, and you responded. Help 4 The Holidays was a smashing success.

In fact, it was record-breaking. We had more non-profits that received two huge boxes or more filled, no wait, overflowing with items they desperately needed.

It's not possible without you. YOU made this happen, not us. We were just the vessel that made it run, but you made it happen.

Saturday we saw what was our largest single donation show up. A truck bed filled to the brim with items. That somehow kickstarted a ridiculous stream of donations. A couple came out and asked us specifically what we needed, then showed up a little over an hour later with those exact items.

Because of you, Amarillo and Canyon are better off. You've helped thousands of people be able to get the things they need to get their life moving in the right direction again. Thank you, over and over again.

Before I sign off officially from year three, I need to thank all the businesses that helped make this happen for us as well.

Optimum for powering the event, and our internet so we could broadcast live.

Palace Coffee for caffeinating us each and every day.

Yolo's, Bagel Place, The Brunch Truck, Pancake Station, OVREZE, Dunkin' Donuts, and Cask & Cork for getting our day started off right with incredible breakfast.

Bubba's 33, Buns Over Texas, Drunken Oyster, Dominos, Sam's Southern Eatery, The Western Horseman, and Savor for giving us that needed recharge with lunch.

And again, thank YOU Amarillo and Canyon for showing up when we needed it the most. We thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Say You're From Amarillo Without Saying You're From Amarillo

Amarillo is a pretty quirky place. We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

The point is, living in Amarillo is a unique experience. Because of that, it's really pretty easy to tell who's a native or a long-time resident. And I can prove it.

Here's a couple of ways you can say you're from Amarillo.....without saying you're from Amarillo.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark

Filed Under: Help 4 The Holidays