Homeless veteran seeks assistance to fix truck

Dec. 19--Brian is a homeless veteran. He has applied for disability benefits from Social Security and for help with housing. He receives approximately $250 in temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) and help with food costs, but it doesn't go far. He does own a truck but it needs mechanical work. He's afraid that if he doesn't get his truck fixed he will have no transportation.

Brian is requesting several hundred dollars to get his truck fixed.

Brian is among the many community members asking for help from The New Mexican's Empty Stocking Fund during the holiday season. The New Mexican is not publishing the applicants' real names to protect their privacy.

----The Empty Stocking Fund is a project of The Santa Fe New Mexican. The Santa Fe Community Foundation, the First National Bank of Santa Fe, The Salvation Army and Presbyterian Medical Services donate services to jointly administer the Empty Stocking Fund.

Watch for daily stories featuring requests for assistance from local residents in The Santa Fe New Mexican. The information from the initial application will be verified if the applicant is selected for assistance.

To donate: Make your tax deductible donation online at www.santafenewmexican.com/empty_stocking or mail a check to The New Mexican's Empty Stocking Fund c/o The Santa Fe Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1827, Santa Fe, N.M., 87504-1827. Donors can request to remain anonymous.

If you can provide a service such as roofing or home repairs, contact Roberta at Presbyterian Medical Services at 983-8968.

If you can contribute food, clothing, toys, housewares or furniture in good condition, or other items or services, please contact The Salvation Army at 988-8054.

Donate online in honor of a friend or loved one, and you'll have the option of sending them a custom e-card from the Empty Stocking Fund to let them know about your contribution, courtesy of the Santa Fe Community Foundation and InSight Photo.

The deadline to apply for assistance closed on December 14, 2014.

The committee will consider every applicant who meets the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, creed, place or country of origin, age, disability, ethnicity, color, gender identity, marital status or sexual orientation. Applicants must provide a Social Security number, or their request will not be funded.

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