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The Charlotte Observer helps raise money for The Salvation Army to give gifts and necessities to those in need.
The Charlotte Observer has sponsored the Empty Stocking Fund since about 1920. All money contributed goes to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Center, which buys toys, food, clothing and gift cards for families.

Single dad, Eric Nerone, lost his job unexpectedly in August and has several ongoing health issues. He and his 5-year-old son, Kadin, now live with Nerone’s mom, Patrice, in Cornelius. They are getting help with Kadin’s Christmas gifts this year, thanks to the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte’s Angel Tree program. Courtesy of Eric Nerone
By Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Caden Sellers, far left, and friends who helped him purchase gifts for three area children, with money they raised for the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte’s Angel Tree program. From left, Sellers, Marina Moncada, Carmen “Kaleb” Tate, Mark Halagao and Logan Johnson. Sellers, Halagao and Johnson worked together to raise money for the program. Courtesy Caden Sellers
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
Correspondent
The Charlotte Observer
Caden Sellers already has a lot on his to-do list: The 19-year-old recently moved back to the Charlotte area, takes community college classes online, works a side job and is busy prepping applications to transfer to a four-year degree program.
“My main goal is I want to end up in politics one day. I would love to be a governor or president…” Sellers said, grinning.
Sellers recently moved in with his aunt and uncle in Mooresville to reestablish North Carolina residency for college applications. And alongside his own big goals, he volunteered this fall to help make holiday dreams come true for some local kids.
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/helping-others/empty-stocking-fund/article313509626.html#storylink=cpy
Ana Castro with son Anthony, age 11, and 7-year-old daughter Annie in Charlotte. They are grateful for any gifts they receive over the holidays from the Salvation’s Army Angel Tree program.
Charlotte Observer readers support that project through donating to the Empty Stocking Fund. Courtesy Ana Castro
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
Correspondent
The Charlotte Observer
For Charlottean Ana Castro, making Christmas a special time for her two children is a priority. Daily life has been more challenging for the family after her husband’s death in 2021. “It was a really tough year after his passing and even though the years have passed, it is still tough,” Castro said.
Alongside raising Anthony, age 11, and 7-year-old Annie, she works part-time as a contractor in medical interpretation for a small company. She’s also studying toward an associates degree in Spanish interpretation so that someday she can work directly for one of Charlotte’s main hospitals.
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/helping-others/empty-stocking-fund/article313110679.html#storylink=cpy
By Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Families are struggling, “particularly in this economy,” Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte Major Andrew Wiley said. “They are struggling to just make ends meet – pay the rent, put food on the table for their kids.”