Fill a Forgotten Stocking | Video

Chris Williams | 12/13/2012

Toy drives and other similar fundraisers are a good way to help give back to people in the community. Donations are often for young children or seniors, but one Christmas fundraiser in Williston is making sure not to leave out the teenagers.

American State Bank and the Salvation Army are partnering for the 20th annual Fill a Forgotten Stocking. It`s a fundraiser that focuses on making sure teens have something on Christmas too.

"A lot of programs like this stop at age 12, and because of this program we`re able to help everyone," said Captain Rhegan Stansbury.

The items are given out at the Salvation army, but not before they make a stop at American State Bank.

"We collect the items, and advertise it a little bit. We have our open house tomorrow which is a great time to bring in this items for the donation," said American State Bank President and CEO David Hanson.

If you have a teenager you know that sometimes they can be hard to buy for.

"One of the best gifts we`re finding lately is a gift card. As teenagers are often a little picky on what they are given. A gift card gives them the flexibility," Hanson added.

Traditional gifts are still accepted, and they have collected quite a few already.

"Through American State Bank we`ve collected about $285, maybe $150 in gift cards, and eight totes worth of clothing, CDs, perfumes and things like that for teenagers," added Stansbury.

This event is something the Salvation Army looks forward to every year.

"It`s really cool to be able to help the teens especially. Sometimes the parents aren`t even sure what their teens want for Christmas. They`re hard to shop for, and usually what they want is a little more expensive than the younger kids," Stansbury added.

The open house at American State Bank is tomorrow from 10:00 to 3:00.

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