CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The annual 12-Hour Christmas Wish Radiothon returned this year with a renewed mission: to help more families than ever before. The longtime community fundraiser—presented in partnership with 217 INC, Your Local Home Comfort Services Company—had traditionally supported 12 to 15 families each holiday season. But organizers said 2025 marked a major expansion.
To meet the growing needs of the community, Christmas Wish partnered with three local organizations: Courage Connection, The Family Room, and The Anchor Point. By teaming up with charities that serve vulnerable women, children, veterans, and first responders, the radiothon aimed to reach “dozens and dozens” of families who might otherwise have struggled during the holidays.
Representatives from the partner organizations said the support came at a critical time. Matthew Fletcher, with Courage Connection, emphasized why waking up to presents on Christmas, and donations in general, are vital to the mental well-being of their clients. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Mix 94.5 through its Christmas Wish campaign—and the extraordinary generosity of our community—Courage Connection is able to ensure that every client and their family will wake up on Christmas to multiple gifts waiting for them under their tree this year. In addition to these meaningful gifts for domestic violence survivors and their loved ones, the donations will also allow us to provide a full and delicious Christmas dinner. We are deeply grateful and truly humbled by the remarkable outpouring of support our community has shown to Courage Connection.”
Michael Jenkins of The Anchor Point emphasized the direct impact of the funding on the people they serve. “$5,200 isn’t just support. It funds peer support and real-world programming that keeps people connected, checked on, and resourced before the wheels come off. We’re grateful to Illini Media Group for investing in TAP and the first responders, veterans, and families who carry a lot more than most people ever see – because when we take care of the people who take care of everyone else, the whole community wins.”
Jeanette Jurczyk, with The Family Room, said the program is so helpful in making children in the region feel the holiday magic. “The Family Room is so grateful to be a recipient of this year’s Mix 94.5 Christmas Wish! Thanks to the generous donations from our community, we are able to ensure that over 500 children across Champaign and Vermilion Counties can enjoy the magic of the holidays this year! It is our mission to bring comfort and joy to children and families in the foster care system and because of this incredible donation, we know that every youth in care will receive at least one gift to open, in coordination with the agencies and case workers that support them. Thank you for helping make Christmas Wishes come true for hundreds of children and families right here in Central Illinois.”
The community was invited to join Callie Luttman from Mix 94.5 on Friday, November 14, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 217 INC, located at 303 N Country Fair Dr. in Champaign. Supporters stopped by, donated, and helped bring hope to families across the region.
Organizers said every contribution—large or small—helped make Christmas a little brighter for those facing hardship. And while this is the last of the Christmas Wish event, this year’s radiothon became one of the biggest and most impactful one to date.
