LUMBERTON — The Department of Social Services will take applications for help from the Empty Stocking Fund at its building on N.C. 711 on Tuesday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

The fund this year will provide a $50 voucher for each child in an eligible family that can be redeemed at Roses or Kmart. Children who are between the ages of 1 and 13 are eligible. Families that benefited from the fund last year are not eligible to receive help this year.

Money to pay for the vouchers is raised each year by The Robesonian newspaper, which has participated in the effort for about 35 years, during which more than $1 million has been raised. The Robesonian will begin taking donations for the fund on Nov. 27. Donations came be make in person at The Robesonian at 2175 Roberts Ave. or by mailing a check to the newspaper, c/o Empty Stocking Fund, The Robesonian, P.O. Box 1028, Lumberton, N.C., 28359.

The Robesonian will list the names of contributers each day on A1. A photograph can be published to acccompany donations of $500 or more.