Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Empty Stocking Dec. 22

Today’s Focus: “Ms. M”

Household members: 4

Children: 3

Special circumstances: “Ms. M” receives disability and cane barely afford basic necessities. This year she is not able to purchase extras for the children.

Her holiday hopes: To find a way to give her children gifts for Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boy’s pant sizes 7 and 16 (short and husky), boy’s shirt sizes 7 to 8 and extra large, boy’s shoe sizes 2 to 3 and 7. Girl’s pant size 9, girl’s shirt size 10, girl’s shoe size 5.

Toys list: Lil’ Bratz laptop, Star Wars energy blaster, CSI Miami board game.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a joint effort of the Salvation Army and the Portales News-Tribune. Recipients receive gifts and clothes for their children and baskets of food with green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a meat voucher from a local grocery store. Larger families will receive donated turkeys instead of the voucher. The food baskets will also go to seniors on fixed incomes.

Who’s helped: Around 500 families who’ve asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can be dropped off at the PNT, 101 E. First, or mailed to the PNT, P.O. Box 88. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St., in Clovis, or gifts may be purchased for specific children by choosing an Angel tag off trees located at North Plains Mall and Wal-Mart in Clovis.