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As the holiday season comes to a close, the Gazette Charity Foundation’s Empty Stocking Fund campaign has raised a near-record amount of money to be distributed to those in need throughout the Colorado Springs community.
Founded in 1984, the Empty Stocking Fund benefits 20 health and human nonprofit organizations in Colorado Springs as a way to make a difference in the community and provide resources and services to people in need throughout the region. It is a campaign to bring charity to the community (campaign website).
The Empty Stockings Fund received just over $1.6 million in donations, making this holiday season the second-highest grossing campaign in history, said Deb Mahan, executive director of the Gazette Charity Foundation.
In 2020 and 2021, the campaign raised more than $1.7 million as the COVID-19 pandemic made clear the need for urgent assistance across the city.
“(At the time) everyone was very aware of the need and responded to it,” Mahan said.
Mahan said the 20 organizations receiving funds from the campaign represent “all major need and crisis areas from birth to end of life.”
It is estimated that the funds raised support approximately 50,000 local residents and their families annually.
In celebrating its 40th anniversary, Mahan said she and others involved in running and maintaining the Empty Stocking Fund hoped to at least exceed the approximately $1.5 million raised the previous year.
Additionally, the campaign attracted more than 300 new first-time donors this holiday season.
“We are excited to see interest from new donors and to see the Empty Stocking Fund continue to have a broad impact in our community,” Mahan said.
Kirk Wandy, a spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Colorado Springs, said the funds received from the Empty Stocking Fund provide significant benefits to the organization and its programs each year.
Wandi said the funds received typically go toward free programs offered to both individuals and families struggling with mental health conditions.
“As the mental health landscape changes dynamically, having this kind of flexible funding is extremely helpful,” Wangdi said.
The continued growth and success of Empty Stocking Fund, while other local charities have closed, is due to the campaign’s ability to foster relationships with strong local organizations and the generosity of the local community. Mahan said it’s because of his nature.
“We believe the sustainability of the Empty Stocking Fund campaign is due in large part to the incredible generosity of this community,” Mahan said.
“Our people want this to be a great place to live for all of our neighbors.”
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