Stockings 4 Kids begins its 10th year helping less fortunate children in the SWFL region receive a stocking full of toys for Christmas.
This year’s goal is to stuff 2000 stockings to be distributed to approximately 18 local charitable organizations, as well as directly to families in need of Christmas gifts for their children.
This program began as Founder, Lee Knapp, was volunteering at a soup kitchen. She overheard several mothers discussing their struggles with paying their bills and not having any funds to buy their children a Christmas toy.
Growing up with a similar experience, Lee decided to help by personally stuffing and delivering 100 stockings to these mothers for their children to have a surprise on Christmas Day.
The program blossomed, and Lee enlisted assistance along the way to meet her goals. In 2017, there were over 100 children between the ages of 4-18, appropriately titled, “Elves”, stuffing stockings in an assembly-line fashion at United Mechanical.
Lee says, “I knew I had to help when I heard the difficulties these mothers were experiencing. I’m thrilled that we will be helping nearly 2000 children this year thanks to our dedicated yearly sponsors and volunteers! ”
The benefit extends far beyond the recipients. More than 100 “Elves” continue to experience the value of helping someone less fortunate than themselves. Stockings will be stuffed on December 8.
Donations and sponsorships are now being accepted. Each stocking costs $15 and 100% of the donations go directly toward the cost of the stockings. Sponsors are recognized in print and electronic advertising throughout the program, and levels range from $15 to $1,500. For details, go to www.facebook.com/stockingsforkids/.
Checks should be made to United Way of Lee with Stockings 4 Kids written in the memo portion. They can be mailed to Lee Knapp, C/O Stockings 4 Kids, 12542 Grandezza Circle, Estero, FL 33928. Credit cards are also accepted at the website: stockings4kids.com/donate.
For more information, contact Lee Knapp, 239 898 0941, or visit www.stockings4kids.com.
