Help make a child's wish come true this holiday
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on November 22, 2007 8:12 AM
With the advent of the holiday season, a time-honored tradition in Goldsboro and Wayne County is once again at work to make Christmas special for children who might otherwise face a bleak Yuletide.
The Empty Stocking Fund, created in 1912, is accepting donations for its annual party at which hundreds of needy children in the county will receive toys, clothing and other goodies to brighten their holiday.
The fund, spearheaded annually by employees of The Goldsboro News-Argus and members of the Goldsboro Woman's Club and the Continental Society, has set a goal of raising $43,000 in time for the party on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Dillard Middle School. More than 650 children will be in attendance.
Already, several contributors have given more than $2,000 toward the goal. Backyard Kreations recently held a benefit car show and raised $338 for the cause.
Every penny collected goes to the children. There is no overhead and all the work is done by volunteers.
Invitations to the party go out the first week of December. Children were selected based on need.
At the party, children receive a box of appropriate clothing and a stocking full of goodies and are given the chance to choose a toy of their liking. There will be entertainment and a visit with Santa Claus.
As usual, The News-Argus will print the names of donors in every edition between now and the end of the campaign. Donors can make contributions in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one, or they can make their donation anonymously.
Donations should be mailed to: Empty Stocking Fund, c/o The News-Argus, P.O. Box 10629, Goldsboro, 27532, or simply dropped off at the newspaper office at 310 N. Berkeley Blvd.
"This is a great way to give to others, and to honor someone you care about with a gift that will make a big difference in a child's life," said Barbara Sturm, business manager for The News-Argus.