Give a hand

A family of seven is living off the grandmother’s income and has little hope for a Merry Christmas.

The Gomez family, not their real name, has an ill grandfather and the family has lost their home. Without a boost from the Empty Stocking Fund, this family will not be able to have a happy holiday.

This struggling family can have a good meal and gifts under the tree through the Empty Stocking Fund.

The Empty Stocking Fund is an annual fund-raising effort by the Odessa American and the Salvation Army. Donations will provide food and clothing and toys for needy families in Odessa.

This family can have a happy Christmas along with about 600 other Odessa families through donations to the Empty Stocking Fund.

This year’s fund-raising goal is $75,000. The campaign will continue through Dec. 18.

Want to help the Empty Stocking Fund?

>> Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 811 E. 10th St., or the Odessa American, 222 E. Fourth St. ZIP codes for both are 79761.

>> For information, call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

What is it?

>> The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $800,000.

>> Empty Stocking funds enable the Salvation Army to provide toys and food baskets to needy families in Odessa.

>> This year’s goal is $75,000.