Empty Stocking Fund: Ms. D

Today’s focus: Ms. D

Household members: 5

Children: 4

Special circumstances: “Ms. D” is a single grandma raising four of her grandchildren. She is struggling to provide for all of them.

Her holiday hopes: For her grandchildren to have a happy Christmas.

Clothing needs: Boys shirt sizes small, 7-8 and 10. Boys pants sizes 3, 7 slim and 10 husky. Boys shoe sizes 5 1/2, 12 and 1. Girls shirt sizes 16. Girls pants sizes 16. Girls shoe sizes 4 1/2.

Toys list: Bikes.

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 PNT, 101 E. First St. in Portales, or mailed to P.O. Box 848, Portales, NM 88130. Can also be dropped off at the CNJ, 521 Pile St. in Clovis or mailed to P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88102. 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. D,” call Capt. Tammy Ray at the Salvation Army at 762-3801.