Frequently Asked
Questions

Can I DONATE clothes or toys?
Through relationships with wholesale distributors, The Empty Stocking Fund purchases items in sufficient quantities to offer a variety of age- and gender-appropriate choices to parents and guardians of nearly 50,000 each year. Our long-standing relationships with wholesale toy distributors enable us to purchase brand-new, high-quality items at a fraction of their retail cost. As such, unlike many other holiday charities focused on providing children’s gifts, the Empty Stocking Fund relies solely on financial donations.

Why does my credit card statement show I made a donation to GiveDirect and not the Empty Stocking Fund?
To help keep administrative costs down, we use a third party, Give Direct, to process online donations. Your receipt for tax purposes will show that a donation was made to the Empty Stocking Fund.

What counties do you serve?
We serve: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton (including the City of Atlanta), Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale.

Is my donation Tax Deductible?
Yes, the Empty Stocking Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Our Federal ID# is 23-7159125.

Can I get to Santa’s Village via MARTA?
Yes. Please refer to our online directions.

What are the hours of operation for Santa's Village?
Please refer to our online schedule.

How can I help?
There are several ways to help The Empty Stocking Fund: you can make an individual donation, secure a corporate donation and/or lead Sponsor-A-Child campaign. 

Are my children eligible to receive gifts from the Empty Stocking Fund?
The Empty Stocking Fund assists children from birth to age 13 living in DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and Henry counties who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid insurance benefits through the Department of Family and Children Services.

If you received Medicaid benefits through Fulton or DeKalb County prior to October 1st, you should receive a letter from the Empty Stocking Fund in November explaining the process to receive gifts. If you live in the surrounding counties (Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Gwinnett), please contact your DFACS case worker directly and they can explain how they assist families in their county.

If you have not received this letter by Thanksgiving, please contact us.

How can I learn more about volunteering?
Because we only have two full-time employees, The Empty Stocking Fund relies heavily on volunteer support. Opportunities exist for JROTC Drive Day school leaders and at Santa's Village. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

I'm interested in leading a Sponsor-A-Child Campaign. What do I need to do?
Sponsor-A-Child campaigns offer individuals an opportunity to get involved in a big way.  For about the cost of lunch, you can bring holiday cheer to a family by empowering a parent or guardian of a child living at or below the poverty level to give their child gifts at Christmas time.

We need Sponsor-A-Child Campaign leaders to act as the liaison between the Empty Stocking Fund and your organization.  We provide everything needed to lead a successful campaign.  All you have to do is encourage participation and accept donations!

If you are interested in leading a Sponsor-A-Child campaign, please contact us at SAC@emptystockingfund.org.