LIMA — Some of them are grandparents, trying to enjoy their golden years until unexpected circumstances required them to care for grandchildren they could barely afford to feed.
Others lived happy lives until a fire or job loss set them behind.
Still others found themselves strapped after a medical issue siphoned away their savings.
Whatever their reasons, the Empty Stocking Fund is back again so children have a present to open on Christmas. Every day through Christmas, The Lima News will share a story about a family in need in the region. Donations of cash and items fulfilling specific needs help make the holiday season brighter.
People can donate money, nonperishable food items or new toys to the program at The Lima News, 3515 Elida Road, Lima. Monetary donations can be made at Superior Credit Union locations.
The fund raised more than $645,000 in money and an estimated $200,000 in donated goods since 1992. Last year, people generously donated more than $30,000 to help bring gifts to children who might not get anything otherwise.
“The Lima News is pleased to be a conduit to receiving charitable donations to share with those in need in our community,” said Pamela Stricker, publisher of The Lima News.
Now in its 24th year, the program supports Christmas events at the Bradfield Center and Mizpah Community Center. Money for those events stretches even farther, as the Kmart Kares program lets agencies buy cash cards to buy presents, with the company donating an additional 10 percent to purchase more items.
The Empty Stocking Fund also supports the Salvation Army’s holiday efforts. People applied for the Empty Stocking Fund through the Salvation Army.
Now, with the holidays upon us, there’s a bigger goal in mind. Stricker challenged the region to donate $35,000 this year, to help fill the need over the holiday season.
She also urged people to donate early in the campaign, since many of the partners’ events the program supports happen in early December.
“I know I look forward to reading about the needs that we can work together to solve in our community,” Stricker said.
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