Mother hopes for help from fund

The Empty Stocking Fund is a joint effort of the Salvation Army and the Portales News-Tribune. 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 PNT, 101 E. First St., or mailed to the PNT, P.O. Box 88, Portales 88130. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army.

Today’s Focus: Lori

Household members: 5

Children: 3

Special circumstances: “I am not working because of illness and it doesn’t feel like Christmas will happen because with the income I have it’s either pay rent and bills or by gifts and we all need somewhere to stay.”

Clothing needs: 8 boys’ pants, medium boys’ shirt, 36 X 38 boys’ pants, extra large boys’ shirt, 7 girls pants, medium girls pants, 11/2 boys’ shoes, 13 boys’ shoes, 2 1/2 girls’ shoes.

Toys list: Anna, 8, educational Leap Frog toy; Max, 12, Play Station 2 game; Gina, 7, Barbie.

If you would like to help Lori, call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.