Salvation Army helps 958 kids

Local Salvation Army officials said they helped 958 children with Christmas gifts, food and clothing this year, compared to 723 a year ago.

Capt. Tammy Ray said the local office, through Friday, had collected $5,277.27 in cash donations to the Empty Stocking Fund this Christmas season — about $9,000 less than was needed to purchase gifts. A surprise general-fund donation of $12,500 from American Express prevented local officials from using reserve funds, Ray said.

Last year, Ray said the Curry/Roosevelt County area contributed $5,395.20 to the Empty Stocking Fund

Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the year, she said.

Capt. Kevin Ray said 958 children’s names were included on the Angel Trees at North Plains Mall and Wal-Mart in Clovis. He said area shoppers purchased gifts for about 600 of those children; the remainder received gift cards.

The Empty Stocking Fund provided food baskets, clothing and toys for families, Kevin Ray said.

The Clovis News Journal and Portales News-Tribune sponsor the Empty Stocking Fund and will continue to accept donations until the end of the year.

Donations can be left at the newspaper offices or mailed to

• Clovis News Journal, P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102-1689;

• Portales News-Tribune, P.O. Box 848, Portales 88130.