Many of us are preparing to shop for our Thanksgiving Day groceries while those of us who are on the ball are busy already preparing the goodies for our feast on Thursday.
It’s easy to get caught up in our holidays and in our preparation for not only the day of thanks but also for the upcoming Christmas gifts and festivities.
We can’t lose sight of the fact that many are suffering in our city. And, many are children.
That’s why we at the Odessa American will again partner with our friends at the Salvation Army.
This will be year 28 of working with the generosity of Odessans through the Empty Stocking Fund. The charitable event has always been our pleasure. We are always amazed and humbled by the generous spirit of folks around here.
As we go into our 28th year of asking for your help, which begins Thanksgiving Day, we took a moment to reflect on how the fund started in 1995 and raised $28,895 that year. Since the Empty Stocking Fund was created in Odessa we have raised more than $2.1 million.
That makes us all proud.
We’ve seen the fund go up some years and then back down some years. We didn’t quite make the $30,000 goal in 1995. But we sure got close.
Since that time we’ve met our goal most years — last year the goal was $100,000 and we came up with $152,234.48. Part of that was a generous challenge grant issued by the Sewell Family Foundation, which matched the first $50,000 raised dollar for dollar.
We have high hopes for this year and know that with this difficult economy comes more and more families in need. And Christmas is a heartbreaking time to be in need. Major Luis Melendez said the Salvation Army expects to help about 300 families this year with about 1,350 children.
We thank you for your past donations, and ask you to indulge us again this year as we celebrate 28 years of teaming with the Odessa Salvation Army to sponsor the Empty Stocking Fund.
We’re going to need a lot of help from generous and helpful groups, businesses and individuals intent on continuing to help the less fortunate in our community.
The Empty Stocking, most will remember, was started to enable the Salvation Army to provide toys and food baskets to families in need. Last year, the fund helped almost 300 Odessa families. And some years, it has been a challenge for Odessans to meet those needs during the holiday period when charitable donations are so much in demand.
But because more than $2.1 million has been raised since the program was instituted in 1995, we hope the journey to this year’s goal of $100,000 can be completed in the relatively short time at hand.
We have been fortunate that a lot of caring folks have put this cause on their annual schedule, and they are faithful at getting their donations to the Salvation Army in time for these disadvantaged children and families to have something to appreciate about the holidays.
We are more than happy to list the names of contributors and any people or causes they choose to honor with their money. But we also understand if they want to do so anonymously, and will list the donation as such.
We also appreciate businesses and individuals who make the Empty Stocking Fund as their primary charitable donation.
The great thing about giving to the Empty Stocking Fund is the fact that even the smallest donation matters. All of those involved with the effort appreciate the individual donations, but our thankfulness is nothing compared to the gratitude of those who will benefit.
And we know from experience that being an Empty Stocking benefactor can provide enormous satisfaction when you realize that you’ve helped provide Christmas for a lot of children who wouldn’t otherwise have anything.
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. Additional information can be had by calling the Salvation Army at 332-0738 or the OA at 333-7740. Please indicate the Empty Stocking Fund on your check.
We hope that a lot of thoughtful folks will find a way to get on board with this effort and help make Christmas dreams comes true.
Also, it’s not too late to volunteer to become a bell ringer or to donate goods or funds for the Thursday Thanksgiving meal at the shelter.
Students can earn Texas Scholars hours while bell-ringing, and the Salvation Army welcomes community groups and organizations willing to help ring the bell. There have even been a few challenges this year between local community groups to see who can raise the most while ringing the kettle bells. Call 332-0738.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
- Ring the Bell: The Salvation Army needs volunteer bell ringers this Christmas season. Groups can sign up now to ring bells at a number of locations in Ector County. One afternoon of bell ringing during the Christmas Kettle Campaign can raise enough money for The Salvation Army to shelter a homeless person for four nights and provide 12 hot meals. To become a volunteer bell ringer, call 332-0738 or visit www.registertoring.com to sign up.
