OUR MISSION AND ABOUT ESF

The Empty Stocking Fund has ensured that thousands of Valdosta children in need have had a toy for Christmas. And it has done this job of helping Santa Claus not just for years, but for generations.

Partnered with the local Salvation Army, The Valdosta Daily Times started the campaign many years ago. It has also worked with many banks, including the current Guardian Bank.

The fund has been here for Valdosta’s children before the concept of Secret Santas, and before other local and national campaigns started in the region.

The Empty Stocking Fund is one of the region’s longest-running charitable campaigns and it may well be the oldest annual community Christmas tradition in Valdosta.

The Empty Stocking Fund is successful because of the generosity of Valdosta-Lowndes County and all of South Georgia.

Some families and businesses make contributing to the Empty Stocking Fund as much a part of their Christmas as putting up a Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, buying gifts and wishing friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas.

For that is what the Empty Stocking Fund does. It helps many Valdosta children have a Merry Christmas. It makes certain that all of the area’s children are visited by Santa Claus. It ensures that no child will find an empty stocking every Christmas season.

Each year our generous community fills the Empty Stocking.

Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily Times
Hannah Wells, shift supervisor at Starbucks, prepares gifts for the Empty Stocking Fund at the Salvation Army.

Sonya Hunter, first time volunteer, brought her mother, children, nieces and nephews to volunteer as part of the Empty Stocking Fund distribution.

Motorcyclists are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to join the ride, toys are donated to the Salvation Army and the Empty Stocking Fund.

The Valdosta Daily Times – Salvation Army Capts. Chris and Tasha Thomas prepare for a past Empty Stocking Fund.

Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily Times
Capts. Chris Thomas and Tasha Thomas, husband-and-wife officers at the Salvation Army Valdosta, purchase toys for children in the community through the Empty Stocking Fund.

Bryce Ethridge | The Valdosta Daily Times
Salvation Army Capt. Tasha Thomas said with about 1,000 riders bringing in at least one toy, she estimated they brought in at least 1,000 toys. She has been buying even more toys with the Empty Stocking Fund.

Bryce Ethridge | The Valdosta Daily Times
Salvation Army Capt. Chris Thomas said it was an act of God to see all of the donations and the huge turnout of riders. Fellow Capt. Tasha Thomas said she is happy the Salvation Army is the beneficiary of the Empty Stocking Fund.

Volunteers for the toy distribution are Salvation Army employees, church members, board members and other individuals and families in the community.

The Valdosta Daily Times
If skies are clear, an estimated 2,000-2,500 motorcycles are expected to roar through Valdosta Dec. 21 as part of the 27th Annual Outback Riders Toy Ride to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund. The ride takes place rain or shine.