The Empty Stocking Fund is a bit sad today, kind of like a child with no presents to unwrap on a Christmas morning.

There is just one new gift to report, which was made anonymously, but the $50 will pay for a voucher to buy presents at Kmart or Rose’s for one needy child on Christmas Day.

The gift also pushes the fund past the $4,000 mark; with just more than two weeks to take donations, it is far behind the pace of recent years. So far only 80 children out of 1,781 who have been deemed eligible for the fund have been checked off Santa’s list.

We especially encourage churches, schools, businesses and civic groups to contribute to the fund. With donations of $500 or more, The Robesonian will publish a photograph if that is requested. We can take the photograph or you can provide one.

If you plan on making a gift of at least $500 and want a photograph published, please call Donnie Douglas, editor of The Robesonian, at 910-272-6104 to schedule that.

Donations can be made in person at our office at 2175 N. Roberts Ave. or mailed to us at P.O Box 1028, Lumberton, N.C., 28359. Just make the check payable to The Empty Stocking Fund.

Each day The Robesonian will list the money donated and the contributors. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can do so by being listed as “A friend” or “Anonymous.” Donations can also be made in honor or memory of loved ones.

Previous total ………………….. $3,972

22. Anonymous ………………………. $50

New total …………………………. $4,022