There are three gifts to the Empty Stocking Fund to report today, including the largest we have received so far during this campaign, one for $2,000.

The gift, which will provide Christmas for 40 needy children, is offered anonymously.

We also have two $100 gifts from two Lumberton couples, David Branch and wife JoAnne, and Bob and Faye Caton, who are dependable contributors to the Empty Stocking Fund as well as so many other charitable organizations locally.

The three gifts, which will each be matched by a $50 donation from an anonymous benefactor, push the Fund’s total to $9,800.

There are 1,950 children who have been deemed eligible to receive vouchers from the Fund.

Checks can be mailed to the Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358, or a donation can be delivered in person. As in the past, we will publish photographs with gifts of $500 or more when that request is made. To give yourself the best chance of that photograph appearing on page 1A, get your donation in early.

The vouchers can be redeemed at Roses, either the Lumberton store or the one in Fairmont.

Previous total ….. $7,600

31. Anonymous………… $2,000

32. David and Joanne Branch ………….$100

33. Bob and Faye Caton ………………………………..$100

New total………….$9,800