The Gainesville Jaycees recently helped ensure a better Christmas for more than 240 Hall County children with their annual Empty Stocking Fund project.

The Empty Stocking Fund provides clothing, shoes, toys and food to those children and families who might otherwise go without during the holidays.

Through their fundraising efforts and the cooperation of the Gainesville Wal-Mart, the Jaycees purchased items for less fortunate children of all ages and followed that with a party for the children and their families at the Gainesville Skate Country.

The long-time project is one of numerous fundraising events the Jaycees conduct each year to spread good works throughout the community — though the Empty Stocking certainly holds a special place in the hearts of the Jaycees.

"This is what we work hard for all year," said Blair Marshall , 2011 Empty Stocking Fund director.

"It feels great to see the countless hours we’ve spent this year raising funds culminate with providing Christmas to those in need."

The project is made possible each year in part by the Jaycees Empty Stocking Fund raffle and charitable donations.