EDITORIAL: Time to fill the empty stocking

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, December 18, 2021

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 people each year.

Since there are no administrative costs, all of the funds raised go directly toward the cost of food items for local families in need. 

With rising costs of goods and services, the need is no doubt greater this year jobs and incomes for many people, particularly this time of year, have been impacted. The goal this year is to raise $20,000. 

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 with risings food costs resulting from inflation.

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. Pickup for donations can also be arranged by calling 478-452-2222.

Remember that whatever you gives goes directly to helping feed a friend or neighbor this Christmas.