West Texas has the most generous folks. We are reminded of this each year as we ask our readers to dig into their pocketbooks and help our charity, The Empty Stocking Fund.
The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 as a partnership with the Salvation Army and has raised more than $2.2 million.
Empty Stocking funds enable the Salvation Army to provide toys and food baskets to needy families in Odessa. The goal for 2022 was $100,000. You helped us beat that goal with a final tally of $130,020.16!
Simply amazing. It’s been a tough few years for many people and to hit the goal and beat it by $30,000 is just remarkable.
We really can’t thank you enough. Odessans who were in need had a good holiday meal and gifts under the tree this year — all thanks to you.
Empty Stocking Funds are used to purchase the food and small gifts for needy seniors and to fill in the gaps for children needing clothing and toys who were not picked off of an Angel Tree donation.
Many of those who were screened for need this year included single moms, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers raising children alone with no way to make a Merry Christmas.
That is where the Empty Stocking Fund came in and saved the day.
There were 47 donors this year from $30 to $50,000. An Odessa businessman, who has supported the Salvation Army for years here, helped us get over the top by agreeing to match dollar for dollar all donations up to $50,000.
Like that generous businessman, many opted to be anonymous in their giving like another $40,000 donor.
But it took a number of you to fill out the Fund. That included generous donations from the Wood Family Foundation and Eoff Family. Both are always generous to our Empty Stocking Fund.
There was also help with toy drives from the Odessa Police Department and NewsWest 9. Both delivered barrels and barrels filled with toys that would end up making a little Christmas magic for needy children here.
The food boxes included a ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
We thank you all for once again making a bright and merry holiday for our friends and neighbors.
God bless you each and every one!
