Empty Stocking Fund party Saturday
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on December 12, 2008 1:46 PM
Although donations have lagged, organizers say the Empty Stocking Fund party will go on Saturday -- just as it has for the past 96 years.
The Christmas party for needy children sponsored by the Goldsboro Woman's Club, the Continental Society and The News-Argus isn't two-thirds of the way to its $41,000 goal, but there will still be toys and clothes for every one of the more than 600 children expected, assured coordinators of the event.
"While we are all aware of the current economic situation, the fact is that we have even more children that could be facing a Christmas without receiving that special gift or a set of appropriate clothing for the winter season," said Debbie Pennell, executive assistant to the publisher at The News-Argus and one of the party's chief organizers. "Yes, the party will go on as planned, and I feel confident that the generosity of our community will ensure that the children are taken care of. Because, as we all know, Christmas is for children!"
Donations to the fund will continue to be accepted after Saturday's party at Dillard Middle School. To contribute, simply mail a donation to Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 10629, Goldsboro, N.C. 27532 or stop by the newspaper office at 310 N. Berkeley Blvd.
Every penny given goes to the children. There is no overhead.
Saturday's party will begin at 9 a.m. In addition to a toy of their choice and suitable clothing, children will enjoy entertainment and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
The fund was created in 1912 when members of the Woman's Club approached then-publisher Col. Joseph Robinson about the great number of children who would not enjoy a happy Christmas without help.