Empty Stocking needs your help

The 27th year of the Empty Stocking Fund continues through Dec. 17.

The goal is $100,000 and won’t be met without your help. A generous matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies has been offered to match donations up to $50,000.

Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of the Garcia’s, not their real name.

This family recently had the father deported and he was their only source of income. They support a special needs child and are working through getting residency for the father. This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army.

Empty Stocking Funds go for a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree. 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 $2.1 million.