VALDOSTA — The Empty Stocking Fund has received its first donations.
As every year, the estate of James E. Massey made the first donation to the fund, which buys toys for less-fortunate children. Massey’s estate deposited $5,000 more than 75 years ago with interest on that deposit to be given to the Empty Stocking Fund.
Ed and Sherry Brown also made a donation in memory of Ralph and Hilda Brown.
“It’s a lot of good here in Valdosta. It’s a bright spot in our community,” said Margie Blanton of Guardian Bank, which has managed the fund since the early 2000s. Blanton herself has been responsible for it for more than a decade.
About 600 children were registered this year, Blanton said, which is down from almost 1,000 last year. She speculated that perhaps this year’s need isn’t as great or perhaps the need is being met by the other organizations that are giving away toys. Still, 600 children is a lot of need. Money from the Empty Stocking Fund goes to the Salvation Army, which buys the toys and distributes them later in December, according to Salvation Army Capt. Judy Chung.
“As always, I absolutely love seeing what this does for the children in our community,” Blanton said. “It’s the one place that donors can feel comfortable donating because every penny goes to the children. Not one dime is for any sort of cost whatsoever. Very few organizations can claim that.
“And for me, there’s always that envelope that arrives, handwritten by a shaky hand, that has $5 inside – some years only $2 – but those envelopes always touch my heart and bring tears to my eyes. I try to envision some person that has very little but is still willing to give and I wish I could meet them and hug them and say ‘thank you.’ There is also a child that sends their allowance for one week. Again, just wish I could hug them and tell them how important their generosity is.”
A notable donation comes in each year from the Outback Riders toy run, which is scheduled for Dec. 16 this year. Hundreds of bikers, each carrying a toy, will thunder from Lake Park to Valdosta to donate toys and money to the Salvation Army for the Empty Stocking Fund. The toy ride will take its traditional route this year, starting from Roger Budd’s outlet mall in Lake Park up U.S. 41. through Valdosta to the Five Points shopping center parking lot, where a 50/50 drawing will be held, raising money for the Empty Stocking Fund.
“You see some of the most amazing support come out from the community,” Blanton said.
The Valdosta Daily Times will insert envelopes for donations to the Empty Stocking Fund in an upcoming edition, but donors don’t have to wait for the envelopes. Contributions can be sent right away to Empty Stocking Fund, c/o Margie Blanton, Guardian Bank, P.O. Box 3400, Valdosta, Ga. 31604.