Canyon Lake's Yum Yum Gyros & More Brings Back Holiday Giving Tree for 2026

In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Yum Yum Gyros & More is proving that a small restaurant can feed both bodies and community hope. Owner Kimmie Proper is launching the restaurant's second annual Giving Tree for the 2026 holiday season, building on last year's success helping 17 local families, many with multiple children, while preparing for greater need this season. Last year, names from the community came through the local Mountain Valley Middle School.

As Christmas drew nearer, a few children's tags remained. Rather than leave anyone without, Proper found it in her heart, and her limited means, to buy additional gifts so every child in need would open a present from Santa. Asked why, Proper said, "It takes a community, which is kind of the entire idea of Saint Nicholas."

Not only did Proper cover every remaining name, she ended up with extra gifts, which went to the school to distribute to students who had fallen through the cracks and needed some Christmas cheer.

This year, with business slower and winter historically harder on Canyon Lake-area businesses, Proper expects the list of families in need to grow. That is where she is enlisting the help of the Canyon Lake community. In her words: "It takes a community, and that's what we are here in Canyon Lake. That's why I live here. People are just tighter here; we help each other out when in need. And I need business, especially if it means I can buy more presents and keep the lights on! That would be Christmas for me. I don't need much."

Customers of Yum Yum Gyros & More can find Proper's Giving Tree alongside a menu rooted in homemade Mediterranean and Greek comfort food. Customer recommendations include the traditional gyros, packed with seasoned meat, fresh vegetables and cool tzatziki made in-house, served in warm pita.

Proper's house-made hummus traditionally comes in roasted red pepper, but customers rave about the feisty feta, dill and pesto versions, or whatever Proper decides to concoct that day. The kitchen also turns out salads, specialty pizzas, falafel and baklava. What surprises most customers from outside this tight-knit community are Proper's soups, which arrive with garlic-butter pita.

"Yes, I know it's an oddity, but I sell out of my hot soups in the dead of summer!" Proper said. "I guess they are that good! Some days I just wake up and I'm in a soup mood, so I just make whatever comes to mind. I guess the soups are part of the '& More,' because you'll never know what I'll think of next!"

Soups such as chicken pot pie, broccoli cheddar, potato,chili, and taco soup come on "no certain day and no guarantees that I won't sell out," Proper said.

"Supporting local is why I'm constantly thinking about where I'm spending my money," Proper said.

That philosophy drives both the food and the charity work. Community partners and customers are invited to take part in the Yum Yum Gyros & More Giving Tree by selecting a name and contributing gifts.

Proper's philanthropic heart is one of many in Canyon Lake that pull the community one cross-stitch tighter and turn the neighbor you don't know into a friend you can count on. The Building Texas Show knows many readers haven't yet ventured into the Sattler and Canyon Lake area. If you make the day trip to this small Hill Country community, support local businesses like Proper's. Rural small businesses are the anchors of their communities, and they can anchor holiday giving, too.

To take part in the Giving Tree, visit Yum Yum Gyros & More at 1408 Sattler Road, call 830-832-8838 or go to yumyumgyros.com. More stories about the people building Texas are at buildingtexasshow.com.

Yum Yum Gyros & More is a locally owned Mediterranean and Greek restaurant in rural Canyon Lake, Texas. It specializes in house-made gyros, hummus, tzatziki, soups, salads, pizzas and desserts in a casual, welcoming setting. The restaurant emphasizes fresh preparation and community connection. Diners describe generous portions, friendly service and a welcoming dining room. To support local business owner Kimmie Proper, visit www.yumyumgyros.com or call 830-832-8838 for hours, menu details and Giving Tree information.

Media Contact

Kimmie Proper, Owner

Yum Yum Gyros & More

1408 Sattler Road

Canyon Lake, TX 78133

830-832-8838

Email Contact

yumyumgyros.com

This contant was orignally distributed by Newsworthy.ai. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is Canyon Lake's Yum Yum Gyros & More Brings Back Holiday Giving Tree for 2026.