Empty Stocking: Ms. R

Today’s focus: Ms. R

Household members: 9

Children: 7

Special circumstances: “Ms. R” has seven children and her husband is no longer able to work due to his back injury. They are waiting for his disability to go through. “Ms. R” has heart problems and is waiting for clearance to return to the workforce.

Her holiday hopes: For her children to have a Christmas without any worries.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt sizes medium, small, 4T and 12 months. Boys pants sizes 8, 6T, 4T and 12 months. Boys shoe sizes 3, 11 and 8. Girls shirt sizes small. Girls pant sizes 5T. Girls shoe sizes 9.

Toys list: Remote-control car and truck, baby doll or Barbie doll, truck and baby toy.

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. in Portales, or mailed to P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. Can also be dropped off at the CNJ, 521 Pile St. in Clovis or mailed to P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88102. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Checks must be made payable to “The Salvation Army.”

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. R,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.