Empty Stocking: We’re halfway to our goal!

November 19th, 2008 at 10:00am Jennie Pollock

The Rockford Register Star has set its 2008 goal for the Empty Stocking toy drive for $40,000, and within 10 days, we’ve made it to $19,307.

Each year, we are thankful for the generosity of our readers, who donate usually $5, $10 or $20. The program started in 1975 to make sure every child in Winnebago County signed up to receive one gift for the holidays would receive one. Now, they also receive a pair of mittens, too. (Here is our gallery from the 2007 giveaway.)

Every Tuesday through Saturday, we list those who have donated in the Local&State section. We also maintain a database online, searchable by name, city and dollar amount.

Here’s the kickoff story, in case you missed it. Below is part of the story that had to be cut for space reasons.

It’s been the annual service project for Rockford’s Boy Scout Troop 139 for as many years as scoutmaster Chris Walls can remember.

Every year, about 20 scouts and parents arrive at the toy distribution site, Rockford Rescue Mission’s Hope Place, hours before the event begins to help unload the toys from a truck.

“It’s a tradition for our troop,” Walls said. “It’s something that has a large impact on the community. Christmas is a time to give thanks for the blessings you have. Boy Scouts is all about service. This project has a large impact on the community and seems to be the biggest bang for buck we can get behind and support. It’s a natural fit.”

If you’d like to donate, mail to:

Empty Stocking
c/o AMCORE Bank
P.O. Box 1537
Rockford, IL 61110-0037

Entry Filed under: Empty Stocking, Databases, Rockford Register Star