Give a good Christmas

A disabled Odessa woman needs some help for a happy holiday.

Meredith, not her real name, is raising three children on her own and can barely make ends meet.

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. 17. The Odessa American will match the first $4,000 in donations. Find out how you can help on Page 2A.

Want to help the Empty Stocking Fund?

>> Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 222 E. Fourth St. ZIP codes for both are 79761.

>> For information, call the Odessa American at 333-7714, or 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 $665,000.

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

>> This year's goal is $75,000.