Baptist Health Corbin donates ‘Blue Jean Bucks’ to Empty Stocking Program

If you have been to a Baptist Health Corbin facility on any given Friday, you may have noticed some of the employees wearing blue jeans.

“Casual Friday” at the Corbin facilities come at a price to the employees, but the proceeds go to several good causes, including the Corbin Rotary Club’s Empty Stocking Fund.

Anthony Powers, President of Baptist Health Corbin, recently attended a meeting of the Rotary Club during which he presented a donation of $7,700 to support the club’s Empty Stocking Fund, which provides Christmas presents to children in need throughout the area.

Debbie Hardin, a spokesperson for Baptist Health Corbin, said Baptist Health Corbin employees raise money for the Angel Unaware Fund by paying to wear jeans on Friday.

“A sticker for the day is $2, or you may purchase a button for the year for $100,” Hardin explained.

“At the end of the year, we first use the proceeds to take care of our Baptist families in need,” she said noting it is for Baptist Health Corbin employees who need financial assistance. “What money we have left, we want to contribute to help the community.”

Hardin said Baptist Health Corbin used to host an event similar to Empty Stocking.

“We realized Empty Stocking was bigger and decided to help them since they had already identified those in need,” Hardin said.

This marks the second year Baptist Health Corbin has donated to Empty Stocking.

Hardin said former Baptist Health Corbin President Larry Gray first elected to contribute a portion of the fund to Empty Stocking.

“Empty Stocking is something Larry felt strongly about. Anthony picked up the baton,” Hardin said.

Empty Stocking helped 460 children in 2018.

Fundraising for the event is a year-round effort.

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

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