The holiday season is a time for generosity, community spirit, and simple acts of kindness—and few events capture that spirit as fully as KSAM Radio 101.7’s annual M*A*S*H* (Make A Smile Happen) Christmas Gift Drive. As Huntsville residents prepare for the festive season, KSAM is once again inviting–and LEAP is also assisting–the community effort to make the holidays brighter for local families, children, and even four-legged friends.
Located in the HEB Parking lot, M*A*S*H* tents will be open for 21 hours on Wednesday and Thursday (10am-6pm, 6am-4pm, respectively), providing a convenient drop-off spot for donors. Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new toys, and pet supplies, with LEAP volunteers on hand to help unload, sort, and inventory.
Notably, all of the donations stay in Walker County, including Good Shepherd Mission, CASA of Walker County, the Walker County Boys & Girls Club, Santa’s Helpers, SAAFE House, HISD Social Services, and the Rita B. Huff Adoption Center.
When deciding how to allocate their time, the LEAP Ambassadors ask several questions, including:
- Does this fit our mission?
- Is this a meaningful contribution to the community?
- Do we have the resources to do this well?
- Can another group do it better?
With M*A*S*H*, this is an easy call, and it is the fifth year the Ambassadors have assisted with the program–long-term relationships being another hallmark of LEAP operations.
For KSAM Radio, the MASH Gift Drive is more than an annual event—it is a reflection of their longstanding involvement in the community–in fact, they just celebrated their 86th anniversary of being on-air in Huntsville!
For LEAP Ambassadors, it’s a way to contribute to their community while learning more about it. And for community members, it’s an opportunity to give back in a meaningful, tangible way–and to Make a-A Smile Happen!
M*A*S*H* will be in operation again today from 6am-4pm in the HEB parking lot. Stop by and say “hi”!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 