It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time for the Covington Rotary’s Empty Stocking Fund.

 For the past 62 years the Rotarians, with help from our readers and our local merchants and from Old St. Nick himself, have ensured that the families in our community — who have found themselves a little down on their luck — received something special for the little ones in their care.

 This year the registration for families in need will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16-20 at the Salvation Army building located at 5193 Washington Street SW in Covington.

 To register, you will need to bring proof of residence and Social Security Cards for children 13 and under.

 This year the Rotarians are expecting a record request for help.

 You can help them help these families by buying a ticket in the club’s 10th annual sportsman raffle.

 For $20 you can by a raffle ticket that might win you a Ruger Red Label O/U 20 Gauge 26" barrel or a Browning Silver 12 Gauge 28" barrel or two other firearms. The drawing for the guns is Nov. 10.

 The money raised during this raffle plus the annual onion sale in the spring all go toward purchasing items for the Stocking Fund.

 Tickets can be purchased from any Rotarian or Rotary Chairman Tommy Davis, who can be reached at (404) 304-9607, or you contact our General Manager T. Pat Cavanaugh at (770) 787-6397 or pcavanaugh@covnews.com.