Need help for the holidays? Empty Stocking Fund applications accepted beginning Monday

(Photo: Amy Smotherman Burgess / Knoxville News Sentinel)

If you could use some help during the upcoming holidays, the News Sentinel will begin taking applications for the Empty Stocking Fund on Monday.

The charity helps needy people with food and gifts during the winter holidays.

Applications will be taken 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 20-Nov. 22 and Nov. 27-Dec.1 at three locations: East Center, 4200 Asheville Highway (in Holston Shopping Center); South Center, 522 Old Maryville Pike (South Knoxville Recreation Center/Vestal Boys and Girls Club building); and West Center, 2247 Western Ave. (L.T. Ross Building).

Dec. 2 is the only Saturday that applications will be taken. Apply only at the L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Households applying for an Empty Stocking Fund Basket need to bring proof of Social Security numbers for everyone in the home (no exceptions); proof of rent or mortgage payment; a recent utility bill; and proof of all household income, earned and unearned. Without these documents, applications will not be accepted.

For questions, leave a message at 865-524-2521, and someone will return your call.

The News Sentinel Charities Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization established in 1975 to manage and govern the Empty Stocking Fund and the Milk Fund. It continues a tradition that began in 1912: to provide food and toys to disadvantaged East Tennesseans during the holidays. Last year the fund provided food baskets and toys to about 3,800 East Tennessee families.

If you’d like to donate to or volunteer with the Empty Stocking Fund, you can do so at esfknox.org, or mail a check made out to Empty Stocking Fund to 2332 News Sentinel Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921. Gifts are acknowledged in the News Sentinel. Names will be listed as appears on your check unless a special note of instruction is included in the same envelope.