Empty Stocking, all charities need our help more as economy slows

By: Morning News | SCNOW
Published: December 21, 2008

South Carolinians are “giving” people.

Survey after survey has shown in the past that even with our lower per capita income, we give more to charities than most people.

But there are limits, and we are certainly facing them today.

Here at the Morning News, we urge everyone to consider giving a gift — no matter how small — of either cash, volunteer time, food to a food bank or other charity in the Pee Dee.

There are many worthwhile charities.

At this time of year, the Morning News is proud to work with the Salvation Army to sponsor the Empty Stocking Fund.

This is now the 27th year of the partnership, and we look forward to many more.

We kick off the fund every year at Thanksgiving, which was later than usual this year.

And Christmas is right around the corner.

So far, the collections are down this year.

And if it weren’t for the generosity of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, the Aiken Foundation and one anonymous donor who gave $5,000 we would be even further behind.

In the past, many smaller donations have made the fund a success.

And that’s what’s missing this year, and we understand.

But if you have a little extra change, please think about giving to the Empty Stocking Fund.

If not that charity, give to another one in the community.

There are many needy folks this year.

We know that the United Way here is behind in donations.

The local Red Cross is hurting not only because donations are down, but also because of all the house fires in the Pee Dee and the help they are being asked to give to those victims.

For the Empty Stocking Fund, you can send your checks in care of the fund to P.O. Box 4108, Florence, S.C. 29502.

Or you can leave your check at any BB&T branch in Florence.

You also can go by the Florence office of the Salvation Army at 2210 Hoffmeyer Road.

Any size gift will be appreciated, especially as Christmas is almost here.

And if you can’t give this year or give as much, we understand.

The donation form can be found in today’s paper on page 3C.