The year 1947 marked the first time Rotarians gathered together with a mission to make the lives of those struggling easier during the Christmas season. Those servants created the Empty Stocking Fund with the purpose of better serving the Newton County community.

Now, 78 years later, that tradition still holds strong.

On Saturday, approximately 50 Rotarians, community members and public servants came together and donated thousands of dollars worth of toys to 38 families in need across the county.

“I’m proud to be a part of a club that is actively involved in bringing joy to families during the holidays,” said 2025-26 Rotary president Brad Stewart. “Seeing the joy on my grandchildren’s faces on Christmas morning is something every child should have! The Rotary Club of Covington has been doing our part for 78 years and will continue to prioritize ‘service above self.’”

As with all service projects, this year’s Empty Stocking Fund did not happen overnight. Throughout the Rotary year, the club raises money to fund this project through various events such as the Sportsman Gun Raffle, the Vidalia Onion sale and the Rotary Cars of the Past Car Show.

Through those funds, many children ages 5-12 received a gift package filled with brand-new toys. Children also received new jackets, while families were given boxes of cereal.

Minutes before the club embarked on its mission, Past President and Club Director Keith Adams delivered an impactful speech, challenging those in the room to spread the message of the giving spirit to others.

“People suffer from FOMO – the fear of missing out,” Adams said. “…There’s a lot of need in Newton County right now. We’ve got just a small portion of the need in Newton County right now in this room. So where was that FOMO crowd? Where was that group that wanted to help? Where was the crowd that was curious?”

But for those who may feel “FOMO,” there are ways to have those feelings subside.

The Rotary Club of Covington meets every Tuesday at noon at the First United Methodist Church. The club also runs a number of service projects throughout the year that give back to Newton County and the surrounding communities.

And, of course, the club plans to reconvene next year for the 79th installment of the Empty Stocking Fund. Not because it wants to, but because it needs to.

“Seventy-eight years…I was telling Brad [Stewart, the Rotary president] that I hope this is the last year that we do this,” Adams said. “I say this every year, but it won’t be. We’ll be here doing the same thing next year because that’s what we do as a Rotary Club of Covington. We step up, and we find a need and help.”