2006 Empty Stocking Fund - Help us make holiday bright for children
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on November 23, 2006 8:19 AM
As the holidays approach each year, hundreds of Wayne County children don't expect to find a gift under their trees on Christmas day.
Santa Claus just doesn't stop at their houses.
But thanks to the generosity of their neighbors and people they do not even know, 663 children will have a present to play with or cuddle this holiday season as well as a stocking and a visit with the Jolly Old Elf himself.
Every year, more and more residents and organizations make sure those children don't go empty-handed by contributing to the Empty Stocking Fund.
"It's a good gift to buy for someone you don't know," Empty Stocking Fund treasurer Barbara Sturm said. "You're helping children in the community."
The Empty Stocking Fund, a local volunteer-run project established in 1912, gives to children ages 3 through 10 who wouldn't have a merry Christmas otherwise.
Every year, more and more children need help, and the community has continued to respond, Mrs. Sturm said.
"It's because of our friends and neighbors in the community that the Empty Stocking Fund has never failed to reach its goal," she said.
This year, the organization hopes to raise $36,000 for 663 children, Mrs. Sturm said.
Most years, donations are accepted throughout the year. But the Empty Stocking Fund is starting from scratch this year with only a few weeks to meet its goal, Mrs. Sturm said.
Those who contribute to the Empty Stocking Fund will be acknowledged in the Goldsboro News-Argus, unless they prefer not to be. Donations can also be made to the fund in honor or in memory of someone, if preferred.
Recipients are recommended by the schools and go through an application pro-cess. The selected children should receive their invitations by Dec. 7.
All of the money contributed to the fund goes to the children. And all of the hard work to raise that money will culminate with the surprised looks and smiling faces of children during a Christmas party, which is coordinated by the Goldsboro News-Argus.
This year's event will be 9 a.m. Dec. 16 in the auditorium of Dillard School. Entertainment will include The Almost Amazing Rex and karaoke.
During the next few weeks, the Goldsboro Women's Club will shop for toys so that each guest will get to choose his or her own special Christmas present.
The Goldsboro Women's Club and Elks Lodge also will fill stockings with fruit and candy.
And on the day of the party, members of the Continental Society help hand out a box of clothing for each child. The boxes contain a shirt, a sweater or another shirt, pants and three pairs each of underwear and socks.
People who wish to give to the Empty Stocking Fund can do so by bringing in contributions to the News-Argus, which is located at 310 N. Berkeley Blvd. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 10629, Goldsboro, N.C., 27532 and should be made payable to the Empty Stocking Fund. To make the contribution in honor or in memory of someone, make the designation on the check's memo line.