ELIZABETHTOWN — The home stretch has been good for the Bladen Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Fund, and this year is no different.

A total of 11 individuals or groups brought monetary gifts in this week as the newspaper reached for its goal of $7,500.

The biggest gift came from Trinity United Methodist Church’s Men’s Club in Elizabethtown in the form of a $1,000 check. But the most heartfelt gift may have come from the students at Elizabethtown Middle School.

On Monday, four students visited the Bladen Journal offices carrying two Christmas buckets filled with change for the Empty Stocking Fund.

“This is a good fundraiser, because some children have never had Christmas,” said Danielle McDowell, a fifth-grader.

“It’s a good way to raise money for those who are less fortunate,” said Tyler Canady, a sixth-grader.

“The Empty Stocking Fund is a nice Christmas gift to give,” said Alexis Autry, a seventh-grader.

The total contribution from the students was $407.28 during the four-week effort.

Other gifts collected this week included:

— A $50 check from K.D. and Nancy Kailbourne of Wellsville, N.Y.

— An anonymous donation in the amount of $500.

— An anonymous donation in the amount of $250.

— A contribution of $50 from the Bladen County Master Gardeners.

— A contribution of $69 from the Family Careers Community Leaders of America.

— A $25 check from Gwen and Kenneth Thompson of Bladenboro.

— A $150 check from the Adult II Sunday School class at White Oak Baptist Church.

— A $100 check from William Collins of Dublin.

— A $25 check from Carvers Creek United Methodist Women in Council.

— A $30 check from Leola Pait of Bladenboro.

The latest contributions raises the total of the Empty Stocking Fund to $7,289.28.

Next week, the Bladen Journal will publish a complete list of those who donated to the fund.