The Empty Stocking Fund, which began donations of food in LaFayette in 1974, is still solely focused on feeding families at Christmas-time. The 501c3 charity gathers donations from local individuals, businesses, and United Way in order to purchase food from locally-owned Shop Rite.
“This year, we anticipate a higher number of applications. We are ready to provide a holiday meal for more families than ever before thanks to the continued support of the United Way and a generous donation recently from the LaFayette Presbyterian Church,” said ESF Chairman Ales Campbell.
Applications will be available Nov. 1 at the Walker County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) in Rock Spring, LaFayette Housing Authority on Oak Street, Walker County Health Department, and schools in Walker County. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 6, and appointment letters will be mailed to approved applicants.
Volunteers from the LaFayette Woman’s Club, LaFayette Rotary Club, Walker County Fire and EMS, Roper Corporation, and others plan to bag groceries on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m.and distribute on Friday, Dec. 20, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., by appointment, at the Walker County Agriculture building, behind the Civic Center on Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Volunteers are always welcome to bag or distribute groceries.
Empty Stocking Fund donations can be sent in care of George Gilbert, ESF Treasurer, at The Bank of LaFayette, P.O. Box 1149, LaFayette GA, or to LaFayette Housing Authority, 300 Oak Street, in care of Ruth Bass. All checks should be made out to Empty Stocking Fund and all donations are tax-deductible.