Empty Stocking Fund prepares to give more than 600 children toys
By Melinda Harrell
Published in News on December 10, 2015 1:46 PM
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Amy Records bags batteries for a toy that will be given to a needy child this Saturday.
The Empty Stocking Fund organizers and volunteers are planning to give away toys, clothing and books to more than 600 children in Wayne County who otherwise would not have a gift under the tree this Christmas.
Collecting and organizing such a large giveaway takes a coordinated effort on the part of those who volunteer for the non-profit program, said co-organizer Michael Stewart.
Stewart has been involved with the organization of the Empty Stocking Fund event for 20 years, which is a program that has been sponsored by the Goldsboro News-Argus for more than a century.
"When I started 20 years ago, it was something that was talked about, and I thought what a great opportunity to be a part of our community," Stewart said.
"It is something I look forward to every year. It is a huge undertaking. Some people don't know how big an undertaking it is. But it is a great charity to be a part of. To be able to celebrate Christmas, we have invited over 600 children, and there isn't anything cooler than that."
The Empty Stocking Fund is run on a volunteer basis and funded by the community, said Stewart.
"If it wasn't for folks giving, we wouldn't have an Empty Stocking Fund. That what it comes down to," he said. "We are 100 percent supported by our community. If we don't get it, it affects what we can do."
Donations can be made in honor or in memory of a person, which are printed on the front of the News-Argus, said co-organizer Amy Records.
Another way the Empty Stocking Fund is financed are with the ticket sales from the annual concert featuring The Embers.
Mrs. Records said the Embers concert is not only an event that drives up the numbers for the funding of the program, it is also an entertaining tradition in the community.
"The Embers, for several years, have put on an 'I Love Christmas Music' concert to help fund the Empty Stocking Fund," Mrs. Records said.
"We, in the past, have been at the Paramount, and we will be back there again next year, but the Embers -- some of them graduated from Goldsboro High School -- so last year, they felt like they were home. They are really excited. This year, ticket sales are up. It's just heartwarming to see that many people come together, reached out and basically dug into their pockets and (gave) what they can give to make sure it is successful. It's wonderful."
This year, the Embers concert will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at Goldsboro High School.
Not only is the Empty Stocking Fund completely financed by the surrounding community, it is also a collaborative effort between the school system and the program's organizers to find those children who are most in need of a Christmas wish.
This year, the list of children who were invited total 674, which is significantly more than what was originally planned.
All of those names were chosen by teachers who see the need, said Mrs. Records.
"The Wayne County Public School system is notified, the teachers are notified of the Empty Stocking Fund," Mrs. Records said.
"The teachers submit the names because they know the needs of the children the best, they know the needs of the families. We have just grown year after year. The need has grown, so this year we got permission to go above and beyond."
Saturday morning the Empty Stocking Fund will open the doors of Goldsboro High School for the Empty Stocking Fund party at 9 a.m. and distribute a variety of toys, clothing and goodies to children, while community entertainers perform on stage, Stewart said.
Each child will pick out their own toy, be given a set of clothing, which will include a jacket, at least two books and Christmas goodies and fruit, said Stewart.
Though the Empty Stocking Fund plans for more than 600 children on the day for the giveaway, invariably that number is usually less, said Stewart.
But the leftover toys still get funneled back into the community.
"We donate the toys and clothes that are left to other community organizations," Stewart said.
"Last year, we donated the remaining items to a group on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and we have also given them to the Salvation Army in previous years. One hundred percent of what we do goes back to the community."
Anyone wishing to volunteer during the event on Saturday, to make a donation or to purchase Embers tickets is welcome to call the News-Argus office at 919-778-2211 and ask for Mrs. Records or Stewart.