What a merry Christmas this year for the Salvation Army and Odessa American’s Empty Stocking Fund!
Donations that came in on Wednesday have pushed the total past the $100,000 goal to $126,280.16. That makes more than $2.2 million raised since 1995 when the Empty Stocking Fund was started.
That’s great news for the hundreds of families helped with a food basket and toys under the tree for this holiday season. An anonymous $40,000 donation came in that helped trigger the $50,000 challenge match from last week. That plus dozens of donations from the community put us over the top.
That $50,000 donation from an Odessa businessman who has supported the Salvation Army for years matched dollar for dollar up to the first $50,000 donated.
Many in our community needed and got help this year during the 28th year of the Empty Stocking Fund. 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.
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.
Major Laura Melendez detailed that this year’s fund helped 775 children and teens with a gift along with serving 336 families.
Melendez said 186 seniors were also helped this year through the Empty Stocking Fund.
EMPTY STOCKING TOTALS
- Cristela Jerkins: $100
- Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Henderson: $50
- Anonymous: $40,000
- Daniel Baumstimler: $510
- Paul and Martha Crump: $50
- Anonymous Matching Grant: $50,000
- Previous total: $35,615.16
- Today’s total: $90,665
- Grand total: $126,280.16
WANT TO HELP?
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. Both zip codes are 79761.
Donate online at tinyurl.com/yud3kc3t
Want to know more? Call 332-0738.
WHAT IS IT?
The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.1 million.
