‘It’s a real blessing’: Why the Clayton family supports Empty Stocking Fund

The Clayton Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of the News Sentinel’s Empty Stocking Fund, generously donated $10,000 to the nonprofit this holiday season.

"It's a real blessing when you find an organization like (the Empty Stocking Fund),“ Jim Clayton told Knox News.

"One of the things that I've always admired and respected about this charity is that … I know that all the money is going toward the core efforts of (the cause), providing food and the basic needs for a very important segment of our community, very important people to the community," he said.

Every dollar donated by philanthropists like the Claytons goes to the News Sentinel Charities Empty Stocking Fund's annual effort to buy food for families in need during the holidays. Empty Stocking Fund boxes include items for a nutritious holiday meal plus other staples.

Clayton said it’s important to give back to the community that has blessed his family for generations. He believes in the service Empty Stocking Fund provides and has enjoyed volunteering to help prepare food boxes for delivery.

“It’s a fun day, a fun event to join in with people. You have a way of getting people very engaged and that's wonderful,” he said.

Our nonprofit has a solid track record since 1912 of serving as a conduit between local donors and families experiencing food insecurity. This year, 3,000 East Tennessee families received food boxes.

“I appreciate the Empty Stocking Fund. I hope to see our newspaper continue to do that for years to come,” Clayton said. "We look forward to continuing to help. We'll be there next year and eager to help.”

The Clayton company, based in Maryville, was founded in 1956 and has grown to become one of the largest homebuilders in the country. Clayton Homes has a history of building single-family homes, modular homes, manufactured housing, "tiny" homes, college dormitories, military barracks and apartments, according to its website. The family has a tradition of service leadership.

With this year's holiday distribution behind us, we're collecting funds now to help pay for meals in 2023, which could be another economically unpredictable year. Please go to esfknox.org to learn more and make a tax-deductible gift.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Clayton Family Foundation donates $10,000 to Empty Stocking Fund