Contact Lea McGee 903-472-8649 Donations mailed to: PO Box 2161 Marshall, Texas 75671 It all started in 1914 when Elizabeth Scully, a grocers daughter, noticed how many families came in the store that were in need of help. As a result, she decided to start the Empty Stocking Fund to help the families in need she saw around her. At some point, Father Henry F Selcer, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Ch
urch, took the leadership role over from Ms Scully. Father Selcer was devoted to the mission of the Empty Stocking Fund and found various ways to celebrate Christmas each year. He was known host parties at the the Paramount Theater in downtown Marshall, where he would pass out gifts to the children and give food baskets to the families. He was involved until his death in1956, where at his bed side, mrs Ora McGee, (Mr. Harry MgGee IV's grandmother) promised Father Selcer that she would never let Empty Stocking die. She made good on her promise by heading up the project until she was in her late 80's. That that point, she received some much welcome help when her granddaughter-in-law, Lenecia "Lea" McGee, begin working with her in 1985. Lea helped her grandmother-in-law for several years eventually taking over the mission in the early 1990's. When she took over, Lea decided it was time to expand the program to help even more Harrison County families. Over the years the organization has helped thousand of families know the love and joy of Christmas. In some years, it has helped as many as 650 children in one christmas project. The Fund usually works with 300-450 children each year. The promise made to Father Selcer has been more than kept. Families in need must submit an application to the Empty Stocking Fund. After that, each family is interviewed by Mrs. The children receive a "need", a "want" and a "wish" along with books, games, etc. toys they can use as a family. Ongoing Operations:
The Empty Stocking Fund has had only 4 Directors/Organizers since 1914. Elizabeth Scully, Father Henry F Selcer, Mrs. Ora McGee, and current Lenecia "Lea" McGee. The Empty Stocking Fund has no paid employee's, no overhead, and 100% of every dollar given is used to help families in need.
