Many in the Amarillo area have struggled in 2024. It's no secret the cost of groceries has risen and that's making it harder to keep food on the table in a lot of households. Other things the economy has affected has been paying essential bills.

We're talking about things like water, electricity, gas, etc. Not things such as car notes (which have been tough to pay as well), but the money isn't going as far as it used to go.

The holidays are already stressful enough as it is. The big, expansive meals, the stress of having family around, and all the gift buying that takes place for the holidays. Sadly, with the way things are for a lot of people, there are many who aren't able to spend what they normally would on gifts.

In some homes, they don't have any money to spare for gifts. Saddest part about that is the kids that are a part of those homes. There are many kids in the Texas Panhandle that won't end up with anything under the tree, and that's sad.

In fact, Toys for Tots has said they're seeing a rise in need for their services which should tell you where we stand right now when it comes to the holidays. They've stated that right now they have around 350 children in need, and that number will grow exponentially after Thanksgiving.

If you don't know about the program, Toys for Tots covers kids from infant age all the way up to teenage aged kids. Some of the main items they're looking for right now are developmental toys for infants, sports gear, baby dolls, and different items for the teenage room.

Should you feel a calling to help and donate, you can do that here.

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Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood

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