Sign-up dates for the Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund are scheduled for next week in Corbin.
The sign-ups will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the old district court room lobby next to the Corbin Police Department and Corbin Fire Department at 805 S. Main Street.
Sign-ups will go from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The program is open to families in Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties. At least one parent or guardian must come in bringing identification for themself and their children being signed up. Participants must also show proof of income or lack thereof, such as a food stamp award letter, and bring the children’s social security cards. Parents should also bring children’s ages and shoe sizes.
The program is for children of parents, who need the group’s help at Christmas time.
The 37th Annual Empty Stocking Fund party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Immanuel Baptist Church.
The program started in 1988 as a non-profit community project of the Rotary Club of Corbin.
This year will mark 37 consecutive years of service to nearly 20,000 children. The first-year the fundraiser provided a Christmas present for approximately 80 children. The program increased substantially until 2007 when it peaked with more than 800 children from 300 families signed up.
Last year the club collected $35,231.34 in cash donations in addition to several in-kind donations, and helped nearly 200 families and about 630 children.
This year’s budget is $42,500 that will include about $4,500 for bicycles, said Empty Stocking Fund President Joe Caldwell.
Donations may be mailed to:
Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund
P.O. Box 1747
Corbin, KY 40702
The Empty Stocking Fund is a 501c3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.
