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December 23, 2009

Volunteers hand out gifts to needy children

Anonymous The Times-Tribune Wed Dec 23, 2009, 09:31 AM EST

By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

Hundreds of people stood in a line that snaked around the shops near Forest Bowling Lanes Tuesday as they waited to receive a bag of goodies during the Empty Stocking Fund Christmas Party.

The annual Empty Stocking Fund program, which provides toys and clothing to needy children, is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Corbin and the Times-Tribune.

Included among those standing in line was Barbara Canady, 27, of Corbin, who smiled as she waited for volunteers to find a pair of shoes for her son, Michael Shane Canady, 10.

Barbara Canady said the gifts will make her son’s Christmas a good one.

“It really, really helps,” Barbara Canady said.

Volunteers who helped with the event, like Milly Burkhart, 53, also seemed to feel blessed by helping with the giveaway.

Burkhart, who handed out wrapped gifts for girls ages 10 to 13, said she’s been helping with the event for about 10 years.

Countless volunteers provide hours of time, include those who shop, wrap and load the gifts for delivery, to make the event possible, Burkhart said.

“So you know it’s quite a process,” Burkhart said. “But it’s just such a wonderful event for all the families.”

The gift distribution was halted for a few minutes for the presentation of the colors, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem.

“It is such a privilege to serve the citizens of this community,” Burkhart added.

Short speeches of gratitude to those who helped with the event were made by some of the officials who attended the party, including Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney and Rep. Charlie Siler, R-Williamsburg.

Lt. Gov. Dr. Daniel Mongiardo sent a representative to the event because his pregnant wife was at a hospital giving birth to a baby girl that evening.

Joe Caldwell, organizer of the event, said 795 children signed up for help, although a shortfall in donations only made it possible to serve 681 children.

Caldwell, who said the other children were referred to other agencies for help, said donations will continue to be accepted for this year’s giveaway.

Donations to the non-profit group are tax deductible, so any checks dated Dec. 31 or before will provide donors with a tax deduction in addition to the satisfaction of helping needy children.

“We are pleased that we can serve the children and we will be really proud of our efforts if we can raise the additional money,” Caldwell said.

bmanley@thetimestribune.com

To help

Send checks payable to Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 1789, Corbin, KY 40702-1789. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, call Rotary Club members Christina Bentley, 528-7523 or Joe Caldwell, 606-878-7935.

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