Fund helps families during holidays

The Clovis News Journal has teamed up with the Salvation Army again this year to help make sure needy families have a good Christmas.

Beginning on Thanksgiving and running through Christmas Eve, the stories needy families report to the Salvation Army will be printed — with names changed to protect privacy — in an effort to raise money for the Empty Stocking Fund.

The Empty Stocking Fund will help provide gifts for children and Christmas meals for needy families, said Tammy Ray, director of the Salvation Army in Clovis.

Though this will be Ray’s first Christmas at the Salvation Army in Clovis, it is not her first with the Salvation Army. She remembers getting an anonymous letter last Christmas. A 13-year-old girl wrote her parents had recently separated, and left Ray only the hotel room where the girl and her mom were staying.

“She said it sure would be nice if she could get something for her mother,” Ray said.

Using funds from the Empty Stocking Fund, Ray was able to make sure they had a nice Christmas.

“There are those who are in desperate need ... those are the one’s that your heart really goes out to,” Ray said.

She said she hopes this year the Empty Stocking Fund will raise even more than the $4,000 raised last year.

Donations for the Empty Stocking Fund may be dropped off at the CNJ, 521 Pile St., or mailed to the CNJ, P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102-1689. Envelopes should be clearly marked to indicate they contain a donation for the Empty Stocking Fund.

All contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army.

People who would like to donate food or new Christmas toys or clothing items may do so at the Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St. Information is available by calling the office at 762-3801.