More than 600 children will get Christmas party
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on December 15, 2005 1:53 PM
Soft, red stockings, taller than many of the children who receive them and presents that make Christmas dreams come true will all be part of the 2005 Empty Stocking Fund holiday celebration.
This weekend, more than 600 needy children will have something under the tree, all because of the generosity of Wayne County residents.
Treasurer Barbara Sturm said several volunteer groups in the Wayne County community will help make this holiday season a little bit brighter for local children Saturday morning, at the annual Christmas party in the Dillard School auditorium.
"We want to make sure that all children in our community have Christmas," she said.
When the children arrive at the auditorium, sweets, presents, large stockings and extra clothing will be waiting. Even Santa wouldn't miss this party.
"Each child will receive a box of clothing," Mrs. Sturm said. "They will also get a treat bag, a large stocking, and they will get to pick out their own toy."
This year, children from across the county will be guests of the Empty Stocking Fund. They are selected based on need as judged in applications filled out by their parents.
The holiday fundraiser began in 1912, Mrs. Sturm said. Since then, the number of children has grown each year. And so has the monetary goal.
"This year, our goal is $34,000," she said.
Mrs. Sturm added that, so far, more than $25,000 has been donated from generous community members. The largest donation to date, she said, came from Jackson and Son, which donated $3,000 in honor of its employees.
Although donations make the gifts, treats and party entertainment possible, Mrs. Sturm added the event would be impossible without the help of local volunteers from Goldsboro Women's Club, the Continental Society, Elks Lodge, WCC's International Club, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the News Argus.
Mrs. Sturm said Kendall Lee from Pepsi Cola even donated drinks for every child.
Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31 and 100 percent of the money will go toward this weekend's event.
The event truly reflects the spirit of Christmas, Mrs. Sturm said.
"Christmas is about sharing, love and giving," she said. "And with everything that has gone on this year, people continue to give. It's awesome."