The LaFayette Area Empty Stocking Fund began in 1973 and, more than forty years later, is still helping families at Christmas-time. The 501c3 charity receives donations from local individuals, businesses, churches, and United Way in order to purchase food from locally-owned Shop Rite. In 2013, the fund approved more than 670 applications from every community in Walker County.
The 2014 applications are now available at the Walker County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in Rock Spring, LaFayette Housing Authority on Oak Street, Walker County Health Department, and schools in Walker County.
The application deadline is Friday, December 5, and appointment letters will be mailed to approved applicants. Eligibility is based on income guidelines. Applications should be filled out completely by an adult head of household. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Dr. Todd Gaddis, pastor of First Baptist Church in LaFayette, is Chairman of this year's work.Volunteers from the LaFayette Woman’s Club, LaFayette Rotary Club, Walker County Fire and EMS, Roper Corporation, and others plan to bag groceries on Thursday, December 18, at 9 a.m.and distribute on Friday, December 19, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., by appointment, at the Walker County Agriculture building, behind the Civic Center on Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Volunteers are always welcome to bag or distribute groceries.
"Watching last year as over 60 volunteers worked together to bless thousands of community members, I was filled with holiday cheer and gratitude. Giving to those in need is the primary focus of the Empty Stocking Fund. Thanks to people who care enough to share their time and money, we can continue to meet this need " said Ales Campbell, 2013 Chairman.
Empty Stocking Fund donations can be sent in care of George Gilbert, ESF Treasurer, at The Bank of LaFayette, P.O. Box 1149, LaFayette GA, or to LaFayette Housing Authority, 300 Oak Street, in care of Ruth Bass. All checks should be made out to Empty Stocking Fund and all donations are tax-deductible.