FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2008

For more information:
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088

NEWS SENTINEL EMPTY STOCKING FUND TO UNITE THE COMMUNITY AND BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS FOR 3,500 FAMILIES

The News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund began in 1912 when the editor of the Knoxville Sentinel worked with community leaders to raise $162.85 for holiday food baskets for the needy that contained a roast, pork and beans, vegetables, fruit and candy.

Today nearly 1,000 volunteers gather each December to support more than 3,500 local families who need a helping hand during the holiday season.

“We have families who have volunteered for three generations,” said Bruce Hartmann, president and publisher of the News Sentinel. “It’s truly a testimony to the community in which we live, where people are so eager to help their neighbors.”

Volunteers from churches, schools, Scout troops, employee groups and others work the week before Christmas preparing toys and filling food baskets with more than 40 items. These baskets help families prepare a traditional holiday meal and also help sustain them through the holidays.

The city of Knoxville donated space in the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park for this year’s effort. Preparation and assembly will take place on Dec. 17-22, and pre-qualified families will pick up food baskets on Dec. 23.

“We’re pleased to support this outstanding effort,” said Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. “Serving others is at the heart of our purpose, and donating the use of this facility is another way we can serve the citizens of Knoxville.”

To learn more about how you can receive a holiday basket, contact the Community Action Committee (CAC) at (865) 524-2521 during November. CAC, a local social service agency, screens applicants and compiles the list of recipients.

To volunteer to help in basket preparation and distribution, please call the News Sentinel at (865) 342-6871. To donate to the Empty Stocking Fund, visit http://www.knoxnews.com/charities or mail your check to:

Empty Stocking Fund
c/o The News Sentinel
2332 News Sentinel Drive
Knoxville, TN 37921

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