This year The Empty Stocking Fund received $261,218.73 in contributions to ensure that every child over the age of 1 and under the age of 12 would have a gift to open on Christmas morning.  Wow, what generosity.  Saint John you certainly have outdone yourself.  Bragging rights for sure.   
However, this year, there were poor children in our community who were ineligible to receive help.  The funds that were given by you, the generous hearted Saint Johner’s, were withheld from certain children.  Why were they ineligible?  Because some of our community churches refused to help parents who were unvaccinated!  I spoke with one mom of three and she was really sad about this.  She told me that she has never missed a year because she relies on The Empty Stocking Fund because “I ain’t got much.”  So, little Johnny might not have anything in his stocking because some of our local churches thought it was okay to decide who was eligible to receive your generous donations.  This wasn’t their gift.  This was gifted to the children.
Every child over 1 and under 12 has a right to receive from The Empty Stocking Fund which is a community supported annual fundraiser. Every child should have a nice Christmas!

We, the people of Saint John want to be heard on this matter and expect:

1. Our letter to be publicized in The Telegraph Journal

2. A public apology from any local churches who refused families help

3. Financial support for anyone unable to participate