Empty stocking: Wednesday, Dec. 8

Today’s Focus: Karen

Household members: 7

Children: 6

Special circumstances: She is taking care of her sister’s children.

Clothing needs: Boy’s pants sizes 7, 9-10, 8-9 and 3 T; girl’s pants sizes 4T and 12 months; boy’s shirts sizes 7, 9-10, 8-9 and 3 T; girls shirts sizes 4T and 12 months; boys shoes sizes 1,3,1, and 9 1/2 toddlers; girl’s shoes sizes 10 toddlers and 3 baby.

Toys list: Alvin, 9, remote control car and needs a coat; Damian, 9, G.I. Joe or Star Wars items; Christopher, 6, Superman or Spiderman toys; Brittany, 5, Carebears and Strawberry Shortcake toys; Allen, 3, Blues Clues toys, cars or trucks; Kelly, 7 1/2 months, musical light up toys.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a joint effort of the Salvation Army and the Clovis News Journal. Recipients receive gifts and clothes for their children, and baskets of food, with green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a meat voucher from a local grocery store. Larger families will receive donated turkeys instead of the voucher. The food baskets will also go to seniors on fixed incomes.

Who’s helped: Around 400 families who’ve asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can 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 “Empty Stocking Fund.” Contributions will be forwarded to the Salvation Army. Food, new Christmas toys or clothing may be brought to the Salvation Army office, 317 E. Second St. or gifts may be purchased for specific children by choosing an Angel tag off trees located at North Plains Mall and Wal-Mart.

If you would like to help Karen, call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.