Will you help Odessa Children with a Merry Christmas?

Angel Molina, 7, and Faith Molina, 10, place a bag of Christmas gifts in the trunk of his family's car as their brother Julian Molina waits to help at The Salvation Army Odessa's Angel Tree gift distribution Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Salvation Army Odessa. The gifts from the Salvation Army were generously donated by individuals and businesses from the Odessa community. The Angel Tree program in Odessa receives significant financial support from the Empty Stocking Fund. (Odessa American File Photo)

An Odessa grandmother is struggling to raise her three grandchildren with their father in prison. The kids are 10, 8 and 6.

Many in our community, like Maria, need help this year as a Merry Christmas meal and gifts for the kiddos are simply out of reach. Will you help the needy in Odessa have a merry Christmas?

The 29th year of the Empty Stocking Fund has a $100,000 goal to meet the needs in our community. The Fund helps families who are struggling to make ends meet. Many are single moms and grandmothers trying to raise family in tough economic times. Funds donated to the Empty Stocking stay in Ector County and help local families like that of Maria.

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 needy seniors and children. 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 $2.24 million. Donate online at https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/empty-stocking-fund-2023-odessa-texas/c529771