Donations are now totaling just over $32,000 as the 2025 Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund (SEKESF) Christmas program prepares for its annual giveaway event this Saturday, Dec. 20.
About 530 children have signed up this year.
2025 will mark 38 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.
The wrapping party is scheduled for this Friday, Dec. 19, at Immanuel Baptist Church off Gordon Hill beginning at 6 p.m. Volunteers will also be needed to help set up tables beforehand, and are asked to be present between 3-4 p.m. if possible.
The Christmas party and gift giveaway will be the next day, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Immanuel Baptist Church starting at 11 a.m. There will be free pizza, and Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance.
Donors and the amounts given for the week ending Dec. 12 include:
• Woodman Life Chapter – $200.
• William K. and Anita Champlin – $250.
• Susan P. Smith – $100.
• Good Hope Baptist Church – $200
• Tom and Jen Shelton (in memory of Direck) – $100
• Tommy and Patricia Faulkner – $100.
• Cumberland Valley National Bank – $500.
• Rob McKinney – $50.
• Kentucky Climate Control – $500.
• American Freight Service – $1,000.
• Pratts Landscaping, LLC – $2,450.
• Jack Cloyd, CPA – $1,000.
• Grace Health (Corbin) – $4,000.
• JoEileen Rains (In memory of Paul Rains) – $200.
• Jerry A. Rickett – $450.
• Johnny and Donna Woods – $100.
• Paul D. Taylor – $250.
• Liquor Mart of Corbin – $250.
• Tipton and Tipton – $200.
• Hometown Bank – $250.
• Insurance Service Center – $1,000.
• Larry Conley – $100.
• Rebecca Daniel – $150.
• Davis Salvage – $500.
• Edward Steele and Wanda – $100.
• Michael and Debra Haggard – $100.
• Mary C. Griffith – $100.
• Greg and Suzanne Razmus – $250.
• Ronita L. Dunn – $100.
• Ossoli Foundation – $1,000.
• Greg Razmus – $250.
• Owens Auto – $100.
• Joan Barton – $100.
• James Poynter – $50.
• Ronald and Patricia Timperio – $50.
• Steve Surmont and Betty – $100.
• West Corbin Christian Church – $100.
• H. Dale Johnson and Lisa – $100.
• Kimberly K. Lovegrove – $200.
• Wallen’s Towing – $500.
• Dylan Wallen – $100.
• Sudhir Patel – $202.
• Synil Patel – $201.
• James and Linda Norvell – $100.
• Marr, Miller & Myers – $100.
• Brenda Carpenter Jones – $300.
• J.R. and Rhoda Woods – $100.
• Harold Huddleston – $100.
• Don and Judy Estep – $100.
• Paul Jones (In memory of Shirley) – $100.
• Jerry and Verdie Chadwell – $50.
• Francis Chadwell – $50.
• Sav-rite Family Pharmacy – $300.
• Charles Houk – $1,000.
• Friends of the Children – $500.
• Pratts Landscaping – $4,000.
• June Martin – $350.
• Patil Foundation Inc. – $1,000.
• Walmart Store Number 1259, Corbin – $4,000.
• Rotary Foundation District 6740 – $1,500.
• Rotary Club of Corbin, Ky. – $750.
The total budget for 2025 was $41,500, which includes $5,000 for bicycles.
Donations are still being accepted, and can 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.
