When it comes to The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund, there was nothing unlucky about Friday the 13th. Hope came in all sizes on Friday — from a group that calls itself the Hillcrest Lunch Bunch to a Boy Scout leader to a city councilman.
They gave to honor. They gave to remember. And most importantly they gave to help the Salvation Army do some of its most important work of the year — providing Christmas assistance to those among us in need.
This year, the Salvation Army expects to help 486 families – 1,151 children. Thanks to big-hearted Gaston residents, they’ll wake up to presents under the tree and food for a Christmas meal. The army will also be there for 40 seniors and shuts-ins, and 1,800 nursing home and assisted living residents.
Some folks will be entering the final stretch of their Christmas shopping today. Others will just be getting started. As you’re out shopping, think of those who may have to go without this year and consider making a donation to The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund. If you walk by a Salvation Army Red Kettle, consider dropping in your loose change. Money from the Red Kettle campaign also goes to the Christmas outreach effort.
Donations can be brought to The Gazette, 1893 Remount Road, Gastonia, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
They can also be mailed to The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 1538, Gastonia, NC 28053.
For your convenience, a contribution form is included in today’s Gazette.
Today’s contributors include:
From the Hillcrest Lunch Bunch, $55
In loving memory of Ronny J. Pendleton, by his family, $100
Anonymous, $50
In honor of the scouts, leaders and families of Boy Scout Troop 503, from Jeff Stoudt, $53
In loving memory of William and Mildred Ramsey and other loved ones by their family, $100
In honor of the mayor and city council of Gastonia, from Dr. Dave Kirlin, $250
In honor of Dr. Ryan Meredith and Dr. Wagner Santiago, from Dr. Dave Kirlin, $250
In honor of our military and in memory of Mary Harris, from Stuart Harris Jr., $5,000
In loving memory of Earnest Clemons by East Gastonia Hardware and employees, $100
Every dollar given to The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund campaign goes directly to the Salvation Army for its Christmas outreach. By giving, you are making a difference in the life of someone right here in Gaston County.
AMOUNT RAISED: $30,403
Goal: $100,000