Empty stocking: Mrs. M

Freedom New Mexico

Today’s focus: Ms. M

Household members: 5

Children: 4

Special circumstances: “Ms. M’s” daughter will be having surgery in December. “Ms. M” won’t be able to work until her daughter recovers from surgery.

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

Clothing needs: Boys shirt sizes large and medium. Boys pants sizes 32, 12 and 10. Boys shoe sizes 8, 61/2 and 4 1/2. Girls shirt sizes 6-8. Girls pant sizes 6. Girls shoe sizes 11.

Toys list: MP3 player, walkie talkies and Baby Alive.

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 at the PNT, 101 E. First St. in Portales, or mailed to P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. Can also be dropped off at 521 Pile St. in Clovis or mailed to P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88102. 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. M,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.