CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The holidays can be an exciting time, but for some people it's also overwhelming.

"There's a lot going on, there's a lot to do. I think we put extra pressure on ourselves to be perfect during the holidays," said Beverly Stoner, a license clinical social worker with Presbyterian Healthcare.

Stoner says the holidays can create anxiety and lead to depression.

Sometimes a job loss or the recent death of a family member can add to the holiday blues.

For others like high school senior Kiera Sandifur, fighting depression is an ongoing battle and family gatherings cause more stress.

"Sometimes they might want to fight it depends on what they came for," said Sandifur.

She's one of nearly 19 million Americans suffering from clinical depression at any given time.

CHARLOTTE (WBTV) -The Charlotte Checkers and Presbyterian Hospital announced Monday that this year's Hemby Cup charity game and youth tournament raised more than $100,000.

All totaled more than $102,000 was raised for Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital, according to a news release from the Charlotte Checkers. The money was raised through ticket sales, donations and a post-game jersey auction.

The “Suits vs. Geeks” charity game involved employees from Microsoft playing against employees from area banks at Time Warner Cable Arena prior to the Checkers game Saturday, according to the release.

More than 500 fundraising tickets were sold, which included admission to the Checkers vs.

Charlotte area blood donors are in for a big treat, a Big Deal Combo, that is! The American Red Cross and Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q are teaming up for the “Giving Blood IS a Big Deal” promotion through the end of the year.

From now through December 31, all presenting blood and platelet donors at the Charlotte or Huntersville Donor Centers will receive a coupon for a FREE Big Deal Combo at Sonny’s Bar-B-Q.

The Big Deal Combo includes: Sonny’s oversized sandwich served on garlic bread or a toasted roll with your choice of French Fries or Bar-B-Q Beans and a Sonny’s Signature Sweet Tea or Soft Drink. Offer is not valid with any other coupon, discount or special.

Donor Center Locations/Hours:

Park Road Donor Center

2425 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28203

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., *Extended Hours Nov. 8 and 15: 10 a.m.