Empty Stocking Fund: Ms. A

Today’s focus: “Ms. A”

Household members: 6

Children: 3

Special circumstances: “Ms. A’s” hours at work are too short to cover Christmas expenses. Her husband’s paycheck is used toward other bills.

Her holiday hopes: For her children to have gifts under the tree at Christmas.

Clothing needs: Girls shirt sizes juniors 10-12, 14-16 and 16-18. Girls pants sizes juniors 10-11, 12 and 14-16. Girls shoe sizes 13 1/2 to 1 child’s, 7 1/2 to 8, 2 1/2 to 3

Toys list: Tinkerbell headphones, fairy toys, Spiderman toys.

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

Who’s helped: Around 600 families have asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can be dropped off at the PNT, 101 E. First St., or mailed to the PNT, P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.”

Contributions will be forwarded 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 in Clovis.

If you would like to help “Ms. A,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.