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

The fund provides clothing, shoes, toys and food to needy children and families.

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

"This is what we work hard for all year," 2011 Empty Stocking Fund director Blair Marshall said. "It feels great to see the countless hours we've spent this year raising funds culminate with providing Christmas to those in need. This has been my favorite project over the years and is why I asked to take the lead once again."

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

Those wishing to donate to the Empty Stocking Fund may make checks out to the Gainesville Jaycees and mail them to P.O. Box 126, Gainesville, GA 30503.