The Empty Stocking Fund began in LaFayette in 1973 and more than 40 years later is still helping families at Christmas-time. The 501c3 charity receives donations from local individuals, businesses, churches, and United Way in order to purchase food from local grocer Chappelle Foods who recently purchased Shop-Rite Grocery. In 2016, the fund approved more than 650 applications from every community in Walker County.
The 2017 applications are now available at the Walker County Department of Family and Children Services in Rock Spring, LaFayette Housing Authority on Oak Street, Walker County Health Department, the Bank of LaFayette, and schools in Walker County. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 1, and appointment letters will be mailed to approved applicants. Eligibility is based on income guidelines. Applications should be filled out completely by an adult head of household. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Robert Wardlaw is chairman of this year's work. 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. 14, at 9 a.m. and distribute on Friday, Dec. 15, 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.
"Watching last year as more than 110 volunteers worked together to bless thousands of people, I was reminded of the caring community in which we live," said Ales Campbell, 2013 chairman and 2017 secretary. "Giving to those in need is the primary focus of the Empty Stocking Fund. Thanks to people who care enough to share their time and money, we can continue to meet this need."
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.