The High Plains food bank is feeding thousands of Panhandle families in need, but their supplies are running low. Join ABC 7 and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance all day on June 24 for the Panhandle Spirit Virtual Food Drive. We’re helping feed our neighbors across the Panhandle. We’ll be live from Friona, Quitaque, Miami and more all day Wednesday. Every dollar donated helps provide 5 meals for a Panhandle family. You can get more information or donate NOW at the High Plains Food Bank website.

There was a celebration of the Dream Team Tuesday evening at the Randall County 4H Livestock Barn. They're getting ready for a big show next week, but for many of these kids and their families, it's just another step toward something much bigger. Dr. J. D. Ragland, of the Randall County Extension Service, has been involved with the Dream Team from the start in 2011.

The high school football team in Canadian gave the town a lot to be proud of this season with another run to the state championship game. But another lesser-known team also did very well at their UIL competition, which showed off their brains. Six 2nd-graders competed in the chess challenge. Many had never played the game before, but showed an interest in learning, so their teacher, Esmerelda Shields, put out a call for volunteers to work with the boys.

They're trying something new at Bushland Middle School this year. It's a simple thing, but so far, it's been a big hit all around, from the kids to their teachers and their parents. It’s called Guys with Ties. The class of 6th-grade boys get together in the cafeteria before school, led by Assistant Principal Mark Reasor, and learn about etiquette, manners, social skills and more, in an effort to teach leadership and build self-esteem. It includes taking pride in your appearance.

In just seven years, the Black Tie Affair supporting the Northside Toy Drive has grown into one of the most popular events of the Christmas season in Amarillo. Friday night, they expect to collect enough toys to make a merry Christmas for more than 1,000 children. Allison Roberts, the vice-president of the board for the toy drive, said it all started with a group of young professionals, who meet regularly for happy hour, deciding to do something nice for kids.

Most of the highway traffic cruises by the Whistle Stop Trade Days in Clarendon with just a passing glance, but more than a few are prompted to stop because of a peculiar pickup in the parking lot. It's been modified to look like the Tow Mater character from the Pixar movie "Cars". They’ll pause for a picture, and if they go in to the Whistle Stop, they might meet Roger Finch, who owns it, and put it there.

There are just a few days left for you to be part of the ABC7 toy drive for kids in Child Protective Services all across the Panhandle. These children have experienced some really rough times, and Rebecca Robinson, Foster/Adoptive Development Supervisor in Region 1, says a simple toy can make a huge difference on Christmas.

Back in February, we introduced you to Jim Livingston, a local photographer who created a portrait project highlighting the people who live and work along Route 66. Now, he's on the verge of another venture that will focus solely on the section of the Mother Road that crosses the Texas panhandle.

This time of year, we are accustomed to seeing the Salvation Army's red kettles and the Angel Tree. But there's another Christmas season mission that often goes unnoticed. Major Geraldine Leonard wants the people of the Panhandle to know that there's a way you can help brighten the season for around 1,000 senior citizens who are living in nursing homes in Amarillo. "When you walk in a room of a silver angel, an older adult, they light up," Major Leonard said.

A high school freshman in Texhoma has earned a spot in an international competition in Thailand, thanks to his skills with the discus and shot put. Jackson Schroeder is one of only sixteen high schoolers in the country to make the U. S. team. He hopes it's a stepping stone to an even bigger stage. "When I first started, I really didn't think I would get this big, to be honest with you.

For the past six years, a local pastor has been deeply involved in international ministry, meeting the needs of low-income families with children. But the call to serve didn't take him to a foreign land -- just four miles from his home in Amarillo. “God has a sense of humor. It was right outside my front door, and I didn’t even know it,” said Pastor Mike Garman.

A group that works with the homeless in Amarillo is hosting a special fundraiser next month. The Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, the PARC, for short, wants to buy an adjacent lot in order to serve more people. So, they're selling sculptures created by those they serve at an event inside the iconic Herring Hotel. An average of about 45 people a day come to the PARC, located on the edge of downtown.

Recently, the city of Amarillo completed a deal that lays the groundwork for new economic development in the North Heights area. They’ll build a $5 million plant that provides linen laundry service for hospitals in Amarillo, dozens of jobs, and hopefully, spark more investment in that neighborhood. Most people driving by the now-vacant lot on West Amarillo Boulevard and Madison don’t give it a second look. But, North Heights native Mildred Darton sees the potential for growth.

A local musician’s debut CD has been honored with a nomination for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Tejano album. David Lee Rodriquez of Hereford calls it a dream come true—one that he hopes will keep getting better. David says Tejano music at its heart is defined by family, on display here inside his parents’ home, sharing laughs and stories and music, recalling the days when he and his brothers would watch musicians on television, with Dad’s encouragement.