Empty Stocking

Today’s focus: Ms. H

Household members: 6

Children: 5

Special circumstances: “Ms. H” is a single mother and has five kids. She is struggling financially and needs some help.

Her holiday hopes: For her children to have a merry Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt sizes 7, 3T, 2T, and 24 months. Boys pants sizes 7, 3T, 2T, and 24 months. Boys shoe sizes 2, 10, 8, and 6. Girls shirt sizes 10. Girls pants sizes 10. Girls shoe sizes 3.

Toys list: Hannah Montana toys and cars.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a joint effort of the Salvation Army and Freedom New Mexico. Recipients receive gifts and clothes for their children, and some may receive baskets of food with green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a meat voucher from a local grocery store. Larger families may receive donated turkeys instead of the voucher. The food baskets will also go to seniors on fixed incomes.

Who’s helped: Around 600 families who’ve asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can be dropped off or mailed to either the Clovis News Journal (521 Pile St.; P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88101) or the Portales News-Tribune (101 E. First St.; P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130).

Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Checks must be made payable to “The Salvation Army."

Contributions will be forwarded 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 in Clovis.

If you would like to help “Ms. H,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.