Stocking Fund: On the way to a goal of $150,000

The Christmas Stocking Fund, a long-time holiday tradition in the Bonita Springs area, opens today with $4,950 already contributed toward this year's $150,000 goal for the Bonita Assistance Office. Sponsored by the Bonita Banner, the annual drive is so popular it always begins with thousands donated early by the non-procrastinators of the community. Conducted every year during the holiday season, this year's drive will not be officially concluded until mid-February.

The money raised from the Christmas Stocking Fund will help the needy by providing necessities such as food, clothing medical care and shelter.

The Bonita Assistance Office is a locally operated social services agency that receives little funding from outside the community. One hundred percent of the money donated to the Stocking Fund goes to help Bonita's needy. The office's operating budget comes from endowments and donations that are separate from the Stocking Fund. The names of each week's donors are published in the Bonita Banner unless anonymity is requested.

Founded in 1979, when the Bonita Springs Clergy Group and the late Father John Foley saw a need in the community, the Assistance Office is Bonita's way of helping people help themselves. Aid includes everything from providing transportation to job interviews to payment of utility bills, providing school supplies, directing applicants to the appropriate aid agency and obtaining medical services.

A written acknowledgment of charitable contributions will be supplied for all gifts exceeding $250. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to the Bonita Assistance Office, 10346 Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs, FL. 34135 or sent to P.O. Box 16, Bonita Springs, FL. 34133.

The following donations were recorded as of Nov. 21: First Baptist Church

TIB Bank

Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors

Bonita Springs Woman's Club

Mr. and Mrs. C. Nelson

First Presbyterian Church

Mark E. Petrites, M.D.