ATLANTA -

The Empty Stocking Fund, or ESF, provides toys and gifts to disadvantaged children during the holiday season, and each year the organization distributes nearly 200,000 gift items to tens of thousands of metro Atlanta children in need.

On Tuesday, Jim Ellis Automotive Group said it donated $65,000 to ESF, raised through its annual Holiday Giving Campaign. The auto group said the fundraiser has been a long-standing holiday tradition.

For that traditional fundraiser, Jim Ellis donates a portion of all new or pre-owned vehicle sales to a deserving organization.

Empty Stocking Fund executive director Manda Hunt said the donation was the largest the organization has received in its 100-year history. Hunt said the donation would help the organization serve more than 3,000 children during the holiday season and comes at a time of great need.

“This donation will go a very long way during a very difficult time,” Hunt said in a news release.

Hunt also said, "This is an extraordinary honor and we are so grateful for this gift.”

"It gives my team and I great honor to lend a helping hand to children and families in the communities we serve," said Jim Ellis Automotive Group president Jimmy Ellis.

Ellis continued, “It has been a difficult year for several families, and our hope is that this contribution can help bring joy to those who need it most.”

Jim Ellis Automotive Group’s Holiday Giving Campaign took place from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. All 19 Jim Ellis family-owned-and-operated dealerships participated.

The donation took place just prior to the end of the event to ensure ESF did not miss out on having the donation funds to spend on children for Christmas 2020.

Children from birth through 12 years of age who live in the metro Atlanta area and surrounding counties are eligible to receive gifts from the Empty Stocking Fund.

In addition to providing toys and gifts to disadvantaged children during the holiday season, ESF provides school supplies throughout the year. The organization said it does that to help promote positive social and emotional development and academic success.