Empty stocking fund: Ms. W

Today’s focus: Ms. W.

Household members: 4

Children: 3

Special circumstance: Ms. W is a single mother of three and she has polymyositis and fibromyalgia. She goes to the doctor a lot due to her illnesses. Ms. W would like to go back to school for physical therapy.

Her holiday hopes: For her children to have a good Christmas, because they help her a lot at home.

Clothing needs: Boys pants and shirts size 5T and shoes size 12. Boys pants and shirts size 14 and shoe size 5. Girls pants and shirts size 7.

Toy’s list: Educational toys, bike with training wheels, Mp3 player and a Barbie house.

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 500 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 P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Checks must be payable to “The Salvation Army.”

Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St., Clovis, or gifts may be purchased for specific children by choosing an Angel tag off trees located at North Plains Mall and Walmart in Clovis.

If you would like to help “Ms. W,” call Jim Gallop at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.