Empty Stocking

The troubled economy could be the Grinch this holiday season – or Odessans can come together and teach the Grinch a lesson.

The Salvation Army is preparing for a busy holiday season and officials there predict a barrage of requests for assistance due to a still struggling national and local economy.

Salvation Army Maj. Carl Hughes said applications are already being accepted for assistance through many of the Salvaton Army’s programs.

"We’re going to be busy this year," Hughes said.

And the deadline to apply for help through either the Empty Stocking Fund or the Angel Tree program is Friday. Nov. 6.

The Empty Stocking Fund, a joint project of the Odessa American and the Salvation Army, provides holiday food baskets and gifts to struggling families in Odessa.

Kathy Goheen, bookkeeper and assistant to Salvation Army Maj. Carl Hughes, said all paperwork must be turned in by the Friday deadline.

Those seeking help will have to provide several documents when applying.

What to bring: Photo identification including Social Security cards for both adults and children, proof of residency, which can be a tax statement on a property or a lease agreement. Only Ector County residents are eligible. If working, a check stub should also be submitted.

Both Goheen and Hughes stressed that Angel Tree applications, which provides toys for children, should keep the economy in mind.

"We are asking folks not to ask for electronics," Hughes said explaining that those types of gifts are so expensive that they may actually deter potential donors from picking that child’s angel off the tree.

Both Goheen and Hughes urged Odessans to give – and for those who can’t afford to give to the Empty Stocking or to sponsor an Angel Tree child they have a special message.

"If you can’t afford to give, give your time, Goheen said.

How to help

>>Be a bellringer. While some bellringers are paid, tight funds this season means volunteers are needed. Individuals or groups or clubs can help out by volunteering time to ring the bell. Bellringing begins Nov. 20 and ends Dec. 24. Call 332-0738.

>>Be an Angel. Help wrap, sort and bag Angel Tree gifts. As donated Angel Tree items come in, volunteers are needed. Call 332-0738.

>>Be an Angel II. Angel Trees will be set up after Thanksgiving. Odessans are asked to choose an angel and shop for the items on that child’s list.

>>Be a turkey. OK, not really a turkey but you can help cook and serve a free Thanksgiving meal. Volunteers cook and serve for the holiday event and clean up after the event. Call 332-0738.

>>Eat a turkey. The Thanksgiving meal is scheduled 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at the Salvation Army. Everyone is welcome for the free meal.

>>Be warm and fuzzy. The Coats for Kids campaign is still in full swing. One student at Blackshear Elementary actually collected 30 coats! Coats of all sizes are needed and can be new or gently used. Toddler sizes are patriculary needed. Western National Bank is a sponsor and has a drop off location.

>>Be a stocking filler. The Empty Stocking Fund begins Thanksgiving Day and ends Dec. 18. This year’s goal is $75,000 and all the money is used to purchase holiday meal baskets and gifts for Odessans in need. Check the Odessa American daily for stories on those in need and for updated totals.