In the News ... "'Empty Stocking' is not full"

• Empty Stocking Fund celebrates 27 years

Staff Report
• The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Empty Stocking Fund needs your help to reach this year’s goal of $100,000 with only 12 days left to give. A generous matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies has been offered to match donations up to $50,000.

Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of Heather, not her real name. Heather was recently hospitalized due to anemia and then a surgery and can’t provide gifts for her children. This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army.

Empty Stocking Funds go for a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.1 million.