Christmas looks even brighter for needy Odessans following a generous $50,000 challenge campaign today from the Sewell Family of Companies to benefit Odessa’s Empty Stocking Fund.
The company will match up to $50,000 as donations roll in for this 29th year of the Empty Stocking Fund. The fundraising will end on Dec. 18. Currently the fund has $1,465 in donations.
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.
Odessa Salvation Army Capt. Stephanie Vincent was thrilled about the challenge.
“I am blown away by this generous gift by the Sewell Family of Companies. These donations will help us in a great way to bring Christmas joy to so many families in our community. We are grateful to all those in our community who by their generosity help us, help others in our community.”
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 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 Fund stay in Ector County and help local families. All those who are helped are vetted by the Salvation Army staff.
This is not the first year that the Sewell Family of Companies has come to the aid of the Salvation Army. A $50,000 challenge was issued in 2021 and the community stepped up and even surpassed that year’s $100,000 goal.
The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.24 million.
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
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.
