During the holiday season, many families face financial stress in providing a good Christmas for their kids. This year, Hurricane Helene has exacerbated this situation. The Empty Stocking Fund steps in to offer a helping hand, allowing parents to make the holidays special even in tough times.

Bringing Christmas Joy in Tough Times

"CSRA United Way President and CEO Brittany Burnett shared, 'We are distributing those to over 510 families today alone.' Families now have the opportunity to go online to a virtual store and choose gifts their kids will love. It ensures that every child has something to open on Christmas day. As Burnett further explained, 'We are expecting over the next two days to distribute gifts to over 1,800 kids throughout the CSRA that would haven’t had Christmas without this program.' This showcases the significant impact of the Empty Stocking Fund."

The Changing Landscape After the Storm

"United Way has noticed a shift this year. Briana Williams, a United Way board member, said, 'People wondering if they can even get back in their homes, Christmas has kind of been put on the back burner. Obviously, you want to make sure your roof is fixed before thinking about Christmas gifts for children. And so that need has really increased.' Many new families that typically don't apply for the program have done so after the storm, indicating the increased demand."

Volunteers Making a Difference

"Quintin Murray, another United Way board member, emphasized the role of volunteers. He said, 'To take that off of the stress for them trying to aid and assist and making sure that their kids and their families have an awesome Christmas has been amazing for me.' With more than 100 volunteers helping distribute gifts two months after the storm, the community's support is truly remarkable. It shows that even in difficult times, people come together to make a difference.""If you would like to contribute or volunteer, visit https://emptystockingfund.org/ or https://www.uwcsra.org/. Your support can help make the holidays brighter for those in need."