Record Totals for X & KJ A-Thon

The giving spirit of the Effingham area and unseasonably warm weather helped drive this year's X & KJ A-Thon to its best effort yet.

Molly Bushue, who leads the Fish and Catholic Charities' Christmas Store, said cash donations reached a record $18,000 at the end of the twelve-hour event.

A semi-trailer provided by Rural King was also full of donations, with everything from new toys for kids, clothing, household items and more. A large van from Catholic Charities was also full of non-perishable food items.

Volunteers from the Christmas Store worked from 6 am to 6 pm at our studios to fill the trailer with what seemed to be nonstop donations, and Bushue told us a group of about 50 volunteers from New Hope Church was waiting to unload the trailer when it arrived at Catholic Charities Wednesday evening.

The day also included a visit from a group of carolers from St. Anthony High School, who donated items and sang Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer on the air.

Many area businesses and organizations also donated items and money. We've got a Facebook gallery of donations from the day below, also located here.

Thanks to all those who volunteered and donated to this year's X & KJ A-Thon!