InTucker Magazine

Ask Rip – November 2022

Rip Robertson is the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Tucker.

Tucker Parks and Recreation is proud to partner once again with the Empty Stocking Fund for the 2022 holiday season. After assisting hundreds of families last year, we are happily continuing this effort for a second holiday season. It is even more important today as our community continues with their efforts to return to normal.

Empty Stocking Fund

Tucker Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Empty Stocking Fund to distribute gifts to over 1,000 families this winter season.

Unlike many nonprofits that distribute holiday gifts to disadvantaged children, ESF allows parents to choose which toys and gifts they want to give their children and to give the gifts to them however and whenever they choose. For decades, parents were invited to come to Santa’s Village, our toy and gift store, to shop for their children’s gifts. In an effort to keep our staff, volunteers and the families we serve safe during the pandemic, Santa’s Village has gone digital! Now parents can register their children, upload proof of benefits, and shop online from any web-enabled device. Orders will be picked and packed at the warehouse facility in SE Atlanta and parents may choose to pick their gifts up there or at one of the distribution partner events, like Tucker Recreation Center.

Parents or legal guardians of metro area children who are receiving any form of public assistance are able to receive FREE holiday gifts for their children.

For more details about the Empty Stocking Fund: https://emptystockingfund.org/holiday-gifts/

Parents that choose Tucker as the pick-up site will arrive on a scheduled day and time. Our volunteers will scan the parent’s QR code and locate the family’s package which are labeled with a tag.

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CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP DISTRIBUTE GIFTS

This is a great opportunity for you and your family to give the gifts of time and service this season. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

To prepare for the day:

• Event will be inside the recreation center
• Light lifting, bending, and twisting
• We will provide light snacks and beverages
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet
• Holiday attire is welcomed and encouraged!

Distribution Location:

Tucker Recreation Center

4898 Lavista Road

Tucker, GA 30084

Dates and Times

12/08/2022 (Thu.)    3 – 8:30 p.m.
12/10/2022 (Sat.)     8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Not familiar with the organization? In 1927, the Empty Stocking Fund was created by a small group of employees of The Atlanta Georgian, the predecessor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Through relationships with wholesale distributors and in-kind donations from trusted corporations, the Empty Stocking Fund acquires new items in quantities sufficient to offer a variety of age- and gender-appropriate holiday gift choices and essential school supplies.

Those families that qualify for benefits through the state of Georgia are invited to register and shop for gifts through this program. In December, qualified families are invited to shop for gifts and supplies for their children (birth to 12 years old).

This program is unique in how they allow parents to choose (shop) for toys and gifts they want for their children. The gifts are prepared and packaged for giving at the family’s time and place chosen. For decades, parents were invited to come to Santa’s Village, a toy and gift store, to shop for their children’s gifts. As they continue to protect staff, volunteers, and especially families during the holidays, Santa’s Village will once again be digital! Parents only need to register their children, upload proof of benefits, and will again shop online from any web-enabled device. Orders will be packed at ESF’s warehouse facility in SE Atlanta and parents may choose a convenient location for pick up, whether it’s at the ESF facility or one of the distribution partners events.

The City of Tucker is a distribution site for the Empty Stocking Fund again in 2022. Parents can choose to pick up their holiday packages at the Tucker Recreation Center on December 8 and December 10. If you are a family in need of support or would like to volunteer to distribute gifts at the Recreation Center, you can get more information and/or register at tuckerga.gov/esf.