Empty stocking: Dec. 19, 2004

Today’s focus: Alice

Household members: 5

Children: 4

Special circumstances: “I am having a hard time this year due to illness in the family and becoming a single mom again has made things very difficult for my children and myself.”

Her holiday hopes: “All children are in need of warm winter jackets, sheets, comforters, socks and underwear.”

Clothing needs: Boy’s pants sizes 14 and 4 T, girl’s pants sizes 16 and 7, boy’s shirts sizes large and 4, girl’s shirts sizes extra large and medium/large, boy’s shoes sizes 6 to 6 1/2 men’s and 9 1/2, girl’s shoes sizes 6 women’s and 13

Toys list: Andrea, 9, CD player and CDs like Hillary Duff, JoJo and Cheetah Girls; Joshua, 9, racetracks, Spider-Man and building toys; Sarah, Bratz doll and Barbie car; Darrel, 3, Spider-Man, Tonka Trucks and rescue heroes.

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