Ware Co. DFCS, Salvation Army benefit from WJH’s Empty Stocking Fund
Empty Stocking Fund, made its annual Christmas traditional contributions Thursday morning.
The Ware County Department of Family and Children Services and Salvation Army were each presented checks December 19 for $3,687.50 from Owner/Publisher Rick Head.
The 2024 total through December 18 was $7,375 when the checks were presented. The Empty Stocking Fund has received an additional $800 since December 19. Donations will still be accepted through December 31 with both DFCS and the Salvation Army receiving a second check. The final list of donations will be released in the January 1, 20205 edition of the WJH.
“Sandy and I are so happy to continue the long-standing tradition of the
said Head.
“All the contributions from the community are very much appreciated and help those in need. 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 for this gift,” each stated. “There are some very wonderful people here who 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 Head Publishing, LLC.
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 Army 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 Empty Stocking Fund has surpassed the
$10,000 plateau in each of the last four years.
Since 1984, the Waycross Journal-Hearld
Empty Stocking Fund has dispursed $322,650.64. Under Head Publishing, LLC., the Waycross Journal- Herald has collected
$44,952.50.
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
2023..............$10,340.00
2024 ................$8,175.00 40 yrs ....$322,650.64
