ABH Empty Stocking Fund provides tangible help during the holiday season
The Athens Banner-Herald Empty Stocking Fund helps those in the community in need during the holiday season:
A single mother of four fell behind on her electricity bill after missing work when she had COVID and the flu. The Empty Stocking Fund is helping her catch up and keep her power on during the holidays.
A grandmother caring for her daughter and granddaughter received help with her utility bills.
A single dad of teens needed assistance with his water bill. The Empty Stocking Fund is helping him pay his bill, and he is connected to a local nonprofit for additional supports this Christmas.
The Empty Stocking Fund paid a power bill so that a mother could keep her service and continue providing breathing treatment to her son in their home.
These are some of the many community members who have received helped through the Empty Stocking Fund this holiday season. The Empty Stocking Fund is an annual holiday fundraising campaign. Unlike some holiday fundraisers, proceeds are not used to buy toys or other holiday gifts. Funds raised through the Empty Stocking Fund are used to help families at risk of eviction pay rent and take care of many other necessary expenses, including medical power and water bills.
“The Empty Stocking fund is a Great blessing to my community that I serve. It helps so many at this time of year. It lightens the load of so many families that are living paycheck to paycheck. It allows families to have a better Christmas," said someone with Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens.
In the just two weeks of the 2022 campaign, we have been able to distribute more than $60,000 in aid to over 230 individuals through 17 partner organizations. Each organization vetted and referred the needs of those neighbors served by the Empty Stocking Fund. We wish to thank the following nonprofits and churches for their support in serving those in need: Acceptance Recovery Center, Athens Community Council on Aging, Athens First United Methodist Church, Athens Land Trust, Brightpaths, Casa de Amistad, Children First, Inc., Cultivating a Lifetime of Legacy, Inc, Destined Inc., Family Connection - Communities in Schools, Family Promise of Athens, Gordon's Chapel UMC, Holly Creek Baptist Church, Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support / Piedmont-Athens Regional, Open Hearts, Sheats Social Services, and The Ark.
There is great need in our community, and the Empty Stocking Fund is a way for you to make a tangible impact during the holiday season.
For those interested in donating to the Empty Stocking Fund, make checks payable to Athens Area Community Foundation with Empty Stocking Fund in the memo line, and send to PO Box 1543, Athens, GA 30603. Online donations can be made by visiting athensareacf.org/donate and choosing the ABH Empty Stocking Fund from the list of funds.
Thank you to this week’s donors who contributed to our fundraising efforts. A full list of donors is available at athensareacf.org/empty-stocking-fund.
Platinum donors
Terrell Family Foundation
Fred and Eileen Hale
Kathleen Smith Giving Fund
Mr. William R. Edwards Jr.
Gold donors
James L. Jones Jr.
Jan Coyne
Lowell and Meg Jett
Anne Brightwell
Athens Atlas Chiropractic Center
Kevin and Carolyn Clancey
Mrs. Glada Horvat in honor of UGA Athletic Association Compliance Staff
Richard & Ginny Lynch
Silver donors
Anonymous donors
Beverly H. Sams
Debra L. Swain and Annelle Beall
Linda G. Chafin
Sandra Hunt
Jerry H. and Virginia Lynn Rogers
Brittany Link & Kellie Fuss
Charles A Hunnicutt
Diane Cooper
Evelyn Boynton
Jessica Allan Ostick
Kathleen G. Rohs
Kevin B. Smith
Larry L. Grinstead
Lawrence Family Fund
Linda Banks
Matthew D. Humphrey
Michael D. Simpson
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Blake
Ms. Sandra Keller
Rebecca Miller
W.S. and R.L.S.
Red donors
Diane M. Ehlers
Nina Lamson
Stanley and Alice Pinson
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: ABH Empty Stocking Fund provides help during the holiday season
