The 27th year of the Empty Stocking Fund is underway and needs your help.
The goal is $100,000. A generous matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies has been offered to match donations up to $50,000.
Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of Liz, not her real name.
She is a struggling single mom of four who wants a happy Christmas for her children. The family just moved to Texas and were forced to leave most of their toys and clothes behind. She said her children will take good care of any clothes or toys they receive through the Fund.
This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army. Empty Stocking Funds go for a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738. The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.1 million.
