Ware County’s longest running charitable donation, the Waycross Journal-Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund, made its annual Christmas traditional contributions Tuesday.
The Ware County Department of Family and Children Services and Salvation Army were each presented checks December 20 for $5,010 from Owner/Publisher Rick Head.
“Sandy and I are so happy to continue the long-standing tradition of the Waycross Journal-Herald,” said Head. “All the contributions from the community are very much appreciated. Thank you and Merry Christmas.”
Representing DFACS, which helps families in Ware, Brantley, Charlton and Clinch counties, was Director Cathy Cason with Major Pamela Starr accepting on behalf of the Salvation Army.
Both women were excited and blessed to receive the donations made possible by citizens of Ware County.
“We’re so thankful of this gift,” each would say. “There are some very wonderful people here that are making a lot people very happy.”
The Waycross Journal-Herald’s annual tradition began in 1932 with the late Editor/Publisher Jack Williams, Sr., and has continued with current Owner/Publisher Rick Head.
Williams saw many of the community’s children going without Christmas during the Great Depression. He set up a turkey dinner party with all the trimmings at the Green Frog Restaurant for the needy families with young children, followed by a visit from Santa Claus.
“Jolly St. Nick” delivered gift-wrapped presents to the children
Since that first dinner, the party has given way to an arrangement between the Salvation Armry and DFCS to equally share the proceeds to help the needy.
The Empty Stocking Fund often spells the difference between a bleak holiday experience and a happy one.
The Empty Stocking Fund’s biggest year came in 2014 when $13,632.48 was contributed. The second-highest total came in 2021 with $12,215.
The 2022 total thus far is $10,020 marking the third straight year the total has surpassed $10,000. The feat was first accomplished from 2013 to 2015.
Donations will still be accepted through December 31, 2022.
Since 1984, the Waycross Journal-Hearld Empty Stocking Fund has dispursed $304,135.64.
Empty Stocking Fund
1984 $3,054.00
1985 $4,679.00
1986 $2,854.00
1987 $4,216.30
1988 $5,420.00
1989 $5,257.54
1990 $5,387.00
1991 $7,291.87
1992 $7,744.26
1993 $6,646.11
1994 $5832.12
1995 $7,369.54
1996 $7,422.12
1997 $6,875.00
1998 $7,019.16
1999 $5,913.76
2000 $7,228.25
2001 $7,946.00
2002 $7,235.36
2003 $7,356.00
2004 $7,825.00
2005 $8,888.70
2006 $9,376.74
2007 $11,939.00
2008 $8,180.00
2009 $9,977.28
2010 $8,220.25
2011 $9,798.90
2012 $7,124.76
2013 $11,675.12
2014 $13,632.48
2015 $10,276.00
2016 $8,613.00
2017 $11,109.77
2018 $8,292.75
2019 $3,808.50
2020 $10,414.00
2021 $12,215.00
2022 $10,020.00
38 yrs $304,135.64
