Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Nov. 27, 2007 Empty Stocking Fund

Today’s focus: “Ms. M”

Household members: Two

Children: One

Special circumstances: “Ms. M” is unemployed and struggling to make it from month to month.

Her holiday hopes: To give her son a happy first Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt size 6-9 months. Boys pant size 6-9 months. Boys shoe size child’s 2.

Toys list: Push-and-go toys to stimulate walking.

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

Who’s helped: Around 600 families who’ve asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can be dropped off at the CNJ, 521 Pile St., or mailed to the CNJ, P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88101. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.”

Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St., 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.

If you would like to help “Ms. M,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.