The Empty Stocking Fund on Tuesday met and beat the 2021 goal of $100,000 by $6,964.48, thanks to the generosity of Odessans.
OA Editor Laura Dennis said Odessans opened their hearts and pocketbooks this year to help those struggling to have a Merry Christmas. A challenge grant issued weeks ago by the Sewell Family of Companies to match each donation up to the first $50,000 was met on Tuesday.
“The generosity of the Sewell Family of Companies and all those who have given to this fund since Thanksgiving will help almost 300 families and about 1,350 children,” Dennis said.
The Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army, provides a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree for children and struggling senior citizens. All families are from Ector County and are vetted by the Salvation Army.
Dennis said Tuesday was a busy day for the Fund with the Ector County Sheriff’s office donating $980 and the Eoff family $10,000. One young Odessan, Rinah Lewis, stopped by the Odessa American to hand off her donation.
In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, the Empty Stocking Fund did not meet the goal last year. The fund, which is in its 27th year, has raised more than $2.2 million with this year’s fundraising total to date.
Major Laura Melendez of Odessa’s Salvation Army previously said the fund shares resources with those less fortunate and “that is amazing.”
Dennis thanked all the donors for taking the time to help their struggling neighbors. “It’s been a rough year for many in our community. I’m so thankful to all who gave and that these families will have a good holiday meal and also the joy of gifts for their children,” Dennis said.
Food and gift distribution will be this week and the Empty Stocking Fund will accept donations through Friday.
EMPTY STOCKING
- Anonymous $100
- W.P. Reese $100
- Sondra & Toby Eoff $10,000
- Mr. & Mrs. Baxter Breaux $100
- Ector County Sheriff’s Office $980
- Ronnie Lewis $200
- Alma Bird $200
- Joy L. White $100
- Stewart McKeehan $260
- Today’s total: $12,040
- Previous total: $44,934.48
- Matching grant from Sewell Family of Companies $50,000
- Grand total: $106,964.48
- Goal: $100,000
