VALDOSTA — The Empty Stocking Fund has received its first donations.

As every year, the estate of James E. Massey made the first donation to the fund, which buys toys for less-fortunate children. Massey’s estate deposited $5,000 more than 75 years ago with interest on that deposit to be given to the Empty Stocking Fund.

“It’s a lot of good here in Valdosta. It’s a bright spot in our community,” said Margie Blanton of Guardian Bank, which has managed the fund since the early 2000s. Blanton herself is marking her 20th year of being in charge of the fund.

Money from the Empty Stocking Fund goes to the Salvation Army, which buys the toys and distributes them later in December.

“As always, I absolutely love seeing what this does for the children in our community,” Blanton said. “It’s the one place that donors can feel comfortable donating because every penny goes to the children. Not one dime is for any sort of cost whatsoever. Very few organizations can claim that.”

A notable donation comes in each year from the Outback Riders toy run, which is scheduled for Dec. 21 this year. Hundreds of bikers, each carrying a toy, will thunder from Lake Park to Valdosta to donate toys and money to the Salvation Army for the Empty Stocking Fund. 

“One of the Riders will show up here and give me a check,” Blanton said.

The fund received more than $40,000 in 2021, Blanton said, but dropped to about $38,000 in 2022 and $28,241 in 2023. She’s hoping for a rebound this year.

“We’ve got some [donors] that send large checks,” she said. “I’ve got some that send $2. I’ve got one boy who donates his weekly allowance.”

Today’s Valdosta Daily Times contains a pre-addressed envelope in which you can send donations to the Empty Stocking Fund. We’ll insert more through the Christmas season. But donors don’t have to wait for our envelopes. Contributions can be sent right away to Empty Stocking Fund, c/o Margie Blanton, Guardian Bank, P.O. Box 3400, Valdosta, GA 31604.