The Empty Stocking Fund sponsored by The Blackshear Times presented checks of $250 each to the Pierce County Food Pantry and the Sycamore Tree as the fundraising campaign came to an end last week.
The final tally for this year’s fund came to an even $500 with an anonymous donation of $45.
A total of eight donations were received including one In Memory of Ned Baumbach, Comfort Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, John G. Knox, Melissa Lee and four anonymous donors.
Contributions were accepted during the entire month of December.
The amount collected this year is double that collected in the inaugural year of the fund last year.
The “Empty Stocking Fund” collected $225 for its inaugural year.
Money collected for the fund will be evenly distributed to assist two wellknown local charities, the Pierce County Food Pantry and The Sycamore Tree.
The fund seeks to help those who find themselves facing circumstances whereby there is a lack of sufficient resources for their short-term situation.
Brenda Sutton, director of the Food Pantry, said the charity was able to distribute 735,710 pounds of food to 9,465 households representing 23,533 people in Pierce County during 2024. An additional 12,000 pounds of meat was donated to feed families during Hurricane Helene. Donations are encouraged and can be mailed to P.O. Box 1161, Blackshear, GA 31516. The Food Pantry is a 501-C-3 charity. Office hours are from 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information, call (912) 288-2288.
The Sycamore Tree distributed $36,027.53 in financial assistance in 2024. The organization conducted 320 interviews for assistance, filled 70 clothing orders and gave out 40 toiletries/diapers.
During the annual Christmas tree event just held, Sycamore Tree assisted 50 families representing 145 children with toys, gifts and stocking stuffers for each child and a gift for the parents.
The Sycamore Tree is located at 204 NW Central Avenue, Blackshear. Phone number is (912) 807-4673 (HOPE). Office hours are from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays. No appointments are needed. The Sycamore Tree is open to Pierce County residents only.
