During the holiday season, many families face financial stress in providing a good Christmas for their kids. This year, Hurricane Helene has exacerbated that stress. However, the Empty Stocking Fund steps in to offer a helping hand, allowing parents to make their children's holidays special even in tough times.

Providing a Virtual Shopping Experience

Families can go online to a virtual store and choose gifts that their children would like. It's not about others guessing what the kids want; it's about giving parents the opportunity to select gifts based on their children's preferences. This ensures that every child has something to open on Christmas day.

CSRA United Way President and CEO Brittany Burnett emphasizes the importance of this virtual shopping experience. "We are distributing these gifts to over 510 families today alone," she says. "It gives parents a sense of control and allows them to show their love through gifts during a difficult time."

The virtual store concept has been a game-changer, as it eliminates the guesswork and provides a more personalized shopping experience for families.

Meeting the Needs of Over 1,800 Kids

Over the next two days, the Empty Stocking Fund aims to distribute gifts to over 1,800 kids throughout the CSRA. This is a significant number, considering the hardships faced by many families after the storm.

"We are expecting a great turnout," says Burnett. "These gifts will make a world of difference to these children who might not have had a Christmas without this program. It's about giving them hope and joy during a difficult time."

The team is working hard to ensure that each child receives a gift that they will cherish, bringing a smile to their faces on Christmas morning.

Adapting to New Family Needs

This year, the Empty Stocking Fund has seen a change in the types of families applying for assistance. "We've seen new families apply that we don't typically see before the storm," says Burnett. "Maybe these families didn't need assistance before, but now, after the storm, there's not enough money to go around. We're here to help them too."

The United Way is committed to meeting the needs of all families, regardless of their circumstances. "No family should have to choose between necessities and Christmas," says Briana Williams, a United Way board member. "We want to make sure that every child has a chance to experience the joy of Christmas."

The team is working closely with these new families to understand their needs and provide them with the support they deserve.

Volunteers and Donations

Two months after the storm, more than 100 volunteers have stepped forward to help distribute gifts. Their efforts have been crucial in ensuring that the Empty Stocking Fund can reach as many families as possible.

Quintin Murray, another United Way board member, expresses his gratitude for the volunteers. "To take that stress off of the families and help them make sure their kids and families have an awesome Christmas has been amazing for me. It's a team effort, and we're all working together to make a difference."

Donations have also been pouring in, helping to stock the room full of red and Christmas joy. If you would like to contribute, you can visit https://emptystockingfund.org/ or https://www.uwcsra.org/.