The Eastern New Mexico News - Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Five kids in one local family may not know how bad things are these days.

But their mom Jennifer does.

And that’s why she is applying for help from the Empty Stocking Fund, which is conducted through The Salvation Army.

Jennifer (not her real name) cleans houses for a living and is without the help of the children’s father.

“Their dad is in jail and it’s hard,” Jennifer said. “I cannot afford very (many) Christmas gifts this year.”

Three boys are in the house, ages 12, 10 and 2. Two girls, 5 and 2, round out the family unit.

“It would be a sad Christmas for the children unless I can get some help,” Jennifer said. “I just want to get for them what they want to have.”

Through the Empty Stocking Fund, a joint effort of The Salvation Army and the Clovis News Journal, Jennifer’s family will receive a food basket that includes pancake mix, peanut butter, jelly, canned goods, cereal, beans, rice, sugar and macaroni and cheese.

More than 400 local families are scheduled to receive the baskets through the Empty Stocking Fund this holiday season.

Donations for the Empty Stocking Fund may be dropped off at the CNJ, 521 Pile St., or mailed to the CNJ, P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102-1689. Envelopes should be clearly marked to indicate they contain a donation for the Empty Stocking Fund.

All contributions will be forwarded to The Salvation Army.

People who would like to donate food or new Christmas toys or clothing items may do so at The Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St..

Information is available by calling the office at 762-3801.