Wausau, WI, December 21, 2018: WSAW NewsChannel 7 and FOX WZAW’s annual Share Your Holidays campaign has helped more people than ever by setting yet another campaign record. Between donations from viewers and matching grants, more than $100,000 was donated to The Salvation Army of Wausau and The Neighbors’ Place. The previous record of $95,811.49 was set in 2017. In addition to monetary donations, viewers also donated thousands of pounds of non-perishable food. The food donations will be distributed to dozens of food pantries in Marathon County, thanks to Peyton’s Promise.

“The kindness and generosity of the people who live here never fails to amaze me,” said Jeff Thelen, WSAW anchor and campaign coordinator. “When I think of all the food we’ve helped put on the tables of people who otherwise may go hungry it’s almost overwhelming.”

The campaign came to a close with a half-hour special on WSAW NewsChannel 7. The special revealed the food insecurities and needs facing area families and also shared more about the history of Share Your Holiday” - a campaign founded 16 years ago by WSAW-TV staff. The special also capped off a three hour phone bank where WSAW/WZAW-TV viewers could call in donations on their credit card. The phone bank alone raised more than $6,100.

The Share Your Holidays campaign kicked off on Nov. 30 as members of the WSAW/WZAW-TV staff walked along the Wausau Holiday Parade, collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. Two weeks later, more than $2,700 was raised as staff members pumped gas in exchange for monetary donations at a Celebrity Gas Pump.

“Share Your Holidays isn’t just something we do here at NewsChannel 7, it’s something we’re passionate about, “said Sarah Gray, WSAW/WZAW News Director. “Year after year, our team is so proud to head up this effort in the community, to do our small part to improve it. We’re so thankful that our community join us in that effort, with their generosity.”

With zero overhead cost, a significant portion of Share Your Holidays continued success can be attributed its sponsors: River Valley Bank, JX Enterprises and Wagner Shell. WSAW/WZAW-TV staff also play a large role, donating their time and resources to help support the campaign. Station staff helped raise over $3,000 themselves.

“The community response to our Share Your Holidays fundraiser is very humbling, “said Al Lancaster, WSAW/WZAW VP/GM. “We are very blessed to live in such a special place. Thank you!”

The Share Your Holidays account will remain open for additional donations until January 31. Thanks to this year’s record-breaking donation, Share Your Holidays has now raised more than $715,000 since its inception.