Corbin Rotary Club’s Empty Stocking Fund brings Christmas joy to 460 area children

Christmas came early Friday morning for 460 area children thanks to the Corbin Rotary Club and numerous donors to the Empty Stocking Fund.

The club raised $26,000 over the last year to purchase toys, socks and shoes for each child.

“We want to make sure all of the children that don’t normally have the chance to get a gift, get one,” said Joe Caldwell, President of the Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund.

In addition to the gifts, the children were treated to a movie courtesy of Tri-County Cineplex, pizza courtesy of Pizza and Company, new books, a new blanket and for several lucky children, a new bike.

Lee Parks, President of the Rotary Club, said 10 bikes were donated by Waste Connections, while the club used donations to purchase 24 additional bikes.

Children were chosen at random prior to the event to receive the bikes.

“We go through the lists from past years to ensure different children receive the bikes each year,” Parks said.

Caldwell said fundraising efforts for the Empty Stocking Fund is a year-round effort.

Anyone that would like to assist with the 2019 Empty Stocking Fund may send donations to: P.O. Box 511, Corbin, KY 40702.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a 501c3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.