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SALT LAKE CITY — A few years ago, KSL Podcasts teamed up with FM100.3 and KSL NewsRadio to bring back the old-time radio drama and the tradition continues this year with an original production based on true donation stories to KSL's Quarters for Christmas.
"Every year I keep track of every piece of mail that we get for donations for Quarters for Christmas. We have books upon books upon books," said Luanne Monson, KSL's community initiative coordinator. "I love when we can take things that actually happened and share that in a fun Christmas drama."
"A Pocket Change Christmas" follows the story of three coins lost during a snowstorm that still end up doing good.
KSL reporter Peter Rosen composed an original song for the radio drama. "I just said the words 'Quarters for Christmas' and it sounded like a waltz Quarters for Christmas and so I wrote it in three-four time and beyond that, I thought about what the donations meant to the kids who get them."
For more than fifty years Quarters for Christmas has helped keep thousands of kids warm through the winter.
Listeners will recognize many voices in the show including KSL Sport's Alex Kirry. "I love singing. Songs are my favorite. I would much prefer singing on the radio than talking on the radio."
FM100.3's Rebecca Cressman enjoys the storytelling. "I love that we are preserving that tradition of passing on what we care most about through stories recreating it voice by voice."
The production also includes performances by the KSL Carolers, a group of employees who enjoyed the chance to sing on the job. "The camaraderie that we see with the staff here at KSL everyone wants to get involved and it's just a wonderful project to be a part of," said Sheryl Worsley, vice president of KSL Podcasts.
There is also a special performance from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
"I've grown up knowing Quarters for Christmas so being able to be a part of this has been amazing," producer and audio mixer KellieAnn Halvorsen said.
"A Pocket Change Christmas," presented by FM100.3 and KSL NewsRadio and sponsored by NPS Store, will air Saturday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve — at 3 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio and is also available on the Tales of Christmas Podcast.
KSL will distribute 100% of the money donated to KSL's Quarters for Christmas to Utah kids.
