EDITORIAL: Time to fill the empty stocking

Published 11:00 am Tuesday, December 1, 2020

It is time to fill the empty stocking.

The Empty Stocking Fund has supported numerous families over the years in Milledgeville and Baldwin County.

The program started by feeding 10 families the first year, and has grown to provide meals for more than 400 families each year.

Funds raised go directly toward the cost of food items for local families in need.

The need is no doubt greater this year with the onset of the global pandemic directly impacting jobs and incomes for many people, particularly this time of year.

According to the non-profit, Feeding America, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting vulnerable households in various ways. Many food-insecure individuals have characteristics that put them at a higher risk for severe illness associated with COVID-19. Demand for charitable food assistance has increased and is expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

Children and seniors are most vulnerable. An estimated 5.5 million seniors age 60 and older are food insecure, as are 4.8 million adults age 50 to 59.

Please give to the Empty Stocking Fund if you can.

Please make checks payable to The Empty Stocking Fund and either drop it by J.C. Grant Company or mail it to 116 S. Wayne Street.