Time ticking for Empty Stocking Fund

The Salvation Army Odessa's Simon Aguilar, right, and Joann Gomez push bicycles to their new owners during their Angel Tree gift distribution Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Salvation Army Odessa. The gifts from the Salvation Army were generously donated by individuals and businesses from the Odessa community. The Angel Tree program in Odessa receives significant financial support from the Empty Stocking Fund. (Odessa American File Photo)

The clock is ticking for the Empty Stocking Fund with a Dec. 18 deadline to donate to this year’s fund that will help Odessa families have a Merry Christmas.

A generous $50,000 challenge grant from the Sewell Family of Companies will double your donation right now.

Will you help needy families?

Families like that of Tia, not her real name, a single mom with four children, ages 6, 5, and twins who are 9-months-old. Tia is working with a crisis center group to get out on their own. She hopes for a good Christmas for the children.

Many in our community, like Tia’s family, 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?

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 like that of Tia.

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 here.

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.