Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

12-22 Empty stocking fund

Today’s focus: Ms. B

Household members: 5

Children: 4

Special circumstances: “Ms. B’s” husband is not living with her right now and her income is limited. She can’t afford presents for her children.

Her holiday hopes: For her children to have a merry Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt sizes 5 and 8 to 10. Boys pants sizes 4 and 10. Boys shoe sizes 11 1/2 and 7 1/2.

Toys list: Spiderman toys and skateboard items.

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 PNT, 101 E. First St., or mailed to P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. 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. B,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.