Empty Stocking Fund to Help Over 1,800 Kids Get Gifts This Christmas
For some families, the holidays can strain financial budgets. For some, it may mean struggling to provide Christmas gifts for their children. This year, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene further…
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“We are expecting over the next two days to distribute gifts to over 1,800 kids throughout the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) that would haven't had Christmas without this program,” said CSRA United Way President and CEO Brittany Burnett in an interview with WRDW-TV.
The United Way of the CSRA had set up a virtual store where parents could request gifts their children might like. More than 100 volunteers will help with the gift fulfillment and distribution to families from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7.
Burnett confirmed that the Empty Stocking Fund would assist more than 510 families on the first day alone. She added that her organization has seen new families who haven't participated in the past apply to participate this year, attributing the rise in requests to the financial strain facing some households after the hurricane.
“People wondering if they can even get back in their homes, Christmas has kind of been put on the back burner, and obviously you want to make sure your roof is fixed before you think about getting, you know, Christmas gifts for children," added Briana Williams, a United Way board member.
There's still time to support the Empty Stocking Fund's efforts to ensure no child goes without a gift this Christmas. To donate or volunteer, visit emptystockingfund.org or the United Way of the CSRA's website.
