The pickup trucks were overflowing with goodies in the parking lot of Centennial Mall Friday afternoon, and the sense of yuletide generosity was strong in the hearts of the people filling them.

The 26^th annual Holiday Drive collected $21,000 in donations as well as 903 pounds of food for multiple causes in Moffat County.

This year’s endeavor benefits Christmas for Kids, Christmas for Seniors, Interfaith Food Bank, Humane Society of Moffat County and Advocates-Crisis Trauma and Survivor Services.

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A mild climate Friday afternoon helped make the setup a little more inviting for Craig residents to stop by and drop off cash, food items, toys, pet supplies and other goods, handled by a friendly volunteer staff that included Santa Claus.

“We’ve done this in blizzards and subzero weather, so this has been perfect for us,” said organizer Marci Marumoto.

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In the 26 years that the Holiday Drive has been hosted by KRAI and 55 Country, Marumoto — the station’s sales director — has been part of the past 20.

“It’s always been in the same location here at the mall’s west entrance,” she said. “I’ve tried to keep it the same as Frank and Tammie Hanel did it. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

The philanthropic effort first started by the Hanel family in the late 1990s — who relocated to Phoenix about 6 years ago — has repeatedly been a big indicator of Craig’s giving spirit, she added.

“We had a lot of support from Memorial Regional Health and Yampa Valley Bank this year,” she said. “Bank of Colorado donated a lot, and KS Kreations and Gino’s helped us with breakfast and lunch for our volunteers. Everybody’s been so giving.”

The one change to the Holiday Drive was first implemented last year as it shifted from a two-day event to one.

That adjustment may have inspired some to donate more in the event’s single day, Marumoto estimated.

Between bringing in a monetary total that’s right on par with most years — as well as nearly a half-ton of food — she was more than happy with the results.

“I love seeing the outpouring of support and giving that we do in Moffat County for us being such a small community,” she said. “To be able to bring in the kind of donations we do is overwhelming.”