Dec. 3 Empty Stocking profile

Today’s focus: Ms. H

Household members: 3

Children: 2

Special circumstances: “Ms. H” just moved here from Florida and she barely started working. She won’t be able to afford presents for her children.

Her holiday hopes: To be able to get her children presents for Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt size 5T and mens size medium. Boys pant size 5-T and mens size 35-30. Boys shoe sizes 1 1/2 and men’s size 8 1/2.

Toy list: Both children would like remote control cars.

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 who’ve asked the Salvation Army to help make Christmas special.

Donations: Can be dropped off at the Clovis News Journal, 521 Pile, or mailed to P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM, 88101 or the Portales News-Tribune, 101 E. First St., or mailed to P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM, 88130. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Empty Stocking Fund.” Checks must be made payable to “The Salvation Army.”

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. H,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.