ELIZABETHTOWN — It’s easy to tell when the holidays are approaching. That’s when the local Classic Cruisers Car Club stops by the Bladen Journal offices and delivers are check for the newspaper’s annual Empty Stocking Fund, an effort aimed at collecting monetary donations that will be used to make the holidays of less-fortunate children a little brighter.

Recently, Club President Myron Suggs and Secretary Jim Taylor presented a check for $2,000 to the Bladen Journal for the Empty Stocking Fund — double what the club had previously given.

“We just think it’s a real worthwhile program,” said Suggs, “and we are proud to be able to help with it.”

With that, the 2009 Empty Stocking Fund has been kicked off.

The 2008 effort raised $6,216 and helped 124 children have a happier Christmas. This year, the Bladen Journal is setting a goal of $7,500.

“We’re already off to a tremendous start, thanks to the generosity of the Classic Cruisers Car Club,” said W. Curt Vincent, editor of the Bladen Journal. “Even in these tough economic times, we think $7,500 is a reachable goal — and if we can surpass it, it simply means even more children in Bladen County will have a Merry Christmas.”

The Bladen Journal will again work with the Bladen County Department of Social Services on the effort. Applications for assistance through the Empty Stocking Fund can be obtained weekdays at the DSS offices from Monday, Nov. 9, through Wednesday, Nov. 25, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information, call 862-6800.

How you can help

Each year, the Empty Stocking Fund is supported by contributions from local individuals, families, organizations, churches and businesses.

Donations in the form of cash or check can be dropped off at the Bladen Journal offices at 138 W. Broad St. in Elizabethtown between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or mailed to the Bladen Journal at P.O. Box 70, Elizabethtown 28337. Checks should be made out to the Bladen Journal Empty Stocking Fund.

Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m.

Donations can be made as a gift in the name of an individual, business or organization; they can also be made in memory of a loved one.

Every Tuesday and Friday, the Bladen Journal will publish the newest list of donors along with the new total for the Empty Stocking Fund. Those received by noon on Wednesdays will be listed in the Friday edition of the Bladen Journal; those received by 4 p.m. on Fridays will be listed in the Tuesday edition.

For more information about making a donation, call the Bladen Journal at 862-4163.