ELIZABETHTOWN — The unofficial deadline to the Bladen Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Fund collection has come and gone with three new gifts adding to the coffers. Late contributions will continue to be accepted for future use.
The three gifts this week totaled $1,150 and pushed the total to $9,645.
“We fell short of our goal of $12,000 but having this amount to give children in Bladen County a happy Christmas will be very rewarding,” Vincent said. “We appreciate what everyone has sent us for the effort.”
The most recent gifts were:
— A $1,000 donation from Smithfield Foods.
— A $100 check from C.S. and Glenda Massey of Bay Tree Lakes
— A $50 contribution from Paul and Elizabeth Albritton of Wilmington
The total received by the unofficial deadline also fell short of the $15,000 needed to put Vincent on the Bladen Journal roof during the Christmas weekend.
“We got closer, but won’t happen this year,” Vincent said. “Perhaps next year.”
The Bladen Journal partners with the Bladen County Department of Social Services and the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in an effort to collect money from throughout the community to assist children in having a bright Christmas.
This year, gift cards to Walmart and/or Leinwand’s will be handed out on Friday, Dec. 18, starting at 9 a.m. All of the recipients will be called early next week.
More than 175 children will be assisted this year.
To contribute to the Empty Stocking Fund, donations can be dropped off at the Bladen Journal office in downtown Elizabethtown or mailed to: Empty Stocking Fund, c/o Bladen Journal, P.O. Box 70, Elizabethtown, N.C. 28337.