Empty stocking — Wednesday, Dec. 1

Today’s focus: Shelley

Household members: 5

Children: 4

Special circumstances: “I was sanctioned from my TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits due to being in the hospital with my ill son, Seth; and I couldn’t meet my work requirements.”

Clothing needs: 12, 8 and 2T boys’ pants and shirt, 18 months girls pants and shirt, 5, 4 and 8 boys’ shoe and baby girls’ slippers.

Toys list: Ryan, 11, Game Cube game; Andrew, 5, puzzles or an educational toy; Seth, 1, Winnie the Pooh and Sarah, 5 months, a crib mobile.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a joint effort of the Salvation Army and the Clovis News Journal. 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 400 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 88102-1689. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army. Food, new Christmas toys or clothing may be brought 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.

If you would like to help Rhonda Call Capt. Shelley Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.