Empty Stocking Fund has 11 days left in campaign

The Salvation Army Odessa thrift store manager Simon Aguilar carries Christmas gifts to a parent during their Angel Tree gift distribution Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Salvation Army Odessa. The Angel Tree program in Odessa receives significant financial support from the Empty Stocking Fund. (Odessa American File Photo)

The Empty Stocking Fund needs your help this year with about 11 days left to go in this year’s campaign to help needy Odessans with a Merry Christmas. The goal is $100,000 with today’s balance sitting at $16,560.

All donations are also being matched dollar for dollar by a generous $50,000 matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies.

Many in our community 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?

Families like that of the Martinez family, not their real name. This couple has two children ages 9 and 9 and they are working on getting out on their own but need some assistance this holiday season.

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.

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 tinyurl.com/393573yf

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/393573yf

Donations are currently being matched up to $50,000 total by the Sewell Family of Companies.

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 $2.24 million.

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

This year’s goal is $100,000.