Generous donations from the community led to another record-breaking year for The Augusta Chronicle's Empty Stocking Fund.

Area families and businesses contributed a total of $121,827.35, which helped 1,738 families or 5,044 individuals during the 2006 holiday.

"Once again the people of the Augusta area have stepped up to help the many needy families in our community have the happiest of holidays," Chronicle President Don Bailey said. "This is a great, caring and giving community, and we should all celebrate another record-breaking year for the Empty Stocking Fund."

Many of the recipients in 2006 were single parents, caregivers and parents struggling through job losses or crises who simply wanted to make sure their children had a joyful Christmas.

In 2005, $120,159.56 went to helping 1,233 families or 5,582 individuals.

The Chronicle began the Empty Stocking Fund in 1930.