Stuffin Stockings expands as it adds extra kids to its Christmas list this year

ST JACOBS — Since Stuffin Stockings launched in 2010, the seasonal charity has stuffed thousands of stockings for kids, teens, adults with disabilities, mothers with infants, lonely seniors, street folk and new this year, hospitalized children undergoing cancer treatment.

“No one should be forgotten,” said Stuffin Stockings founder and chair, Carolyn Parks.

Over the years, organizations, sports clubs, individuals and corporations have banded together donating stockings and items to stuff the stockings, dropping off their donations at the Stuffin Stockings booth at Waterloo Town Square.

New this year, Block 3 Brewing in St. Jacobs is accepting donated items of gift cards, candy, woollens, hygiene products, games, toys, books, cosmetics, jewelry and clothing.

Unwrapped gifts and empty stockings can be dropped off until Deb. 12.

The stockings are distributed through a couple of dozen local organizations supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, including medical centres, children’s support services and seniors centres.

But no matter how generous the community has been every year, there is always need to purchase a few items and really fill those stockings.

“There’s always that challenge to get that last little bit,” said Parks. “We’re trying to raise some funds.”

For the first time, the organization is holding a “Making Spirits Bright” online auction through their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Stuffin. The auction will close at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Parks is hoping the auction will generate enough funds to complete their entire wish list.

Items on auction include a summer stay at a Georgian Bay waterfront home, a village vacation including theatre tickets, an afternoon luncheon with sculptor Tim Schmalz visiting his local works. There are also wellness packages and a decorated Christmas tree entitled “Putting on the Ritz.”

In 2017, Stuffin Stockings distributed more than 2,100 stockings stuffed with small gifts. This year, Parks said they hope to increase the number to 2,500.

St. Jacobs Lions Club has been a longtime supporter of the stocking campaign, offering financial support as well as volunteers who spend hours stuffing all the gifts into the stockings at the St. Jacobs Community Hall.

“We try to make it a community event,” said Parks.