Holiday Countdown - A new twist on stocking stuffers
Delaney Scherf organizes some of the toiletries that St. Joseph youth used last year in their holiday project. The kids stuffed and delivered about 400 pairs of socks.
By Pam Reinig
Register Editor
Editor’s note: As the holidays approach, we will endeavor to share uplifting stories with our readers. If you have an idea for an article, please contact us.
St. Joseph youth are leading an effort this month that gives new meaning to the term “stocking stuffers.”
Kids are collecting small, travel-sized toiletries—the kind you find in hotel rooms—along with other personal use items and new crew socks of all sizes, styles and colors. They’ll stuff the toiletries (and each sock’s mate) into the socks and deliver them to care centers and agencies from Elkader to Dubuque.
And here’s the kicker: With the support of their church and the Elkader community, the students are willing to stuff, tie and give away 500 pairs socks!
“When we first began this project, we packaged about 100 pairs of socks and took them to the Elkader Care Center and Scenic Acres,” said Molly Scherf, a parent involved in the effort. “The next year the number went up and we were able to add Strawberry Lutheran Home and Shepherd of the Hills.”
Inspired by the reactions of people who received the stuffed stockings, the kids worked hard last year to increase their sock numbers even more. They were able to provide their unique gifts to 400 recipients, which extended their reach to homeless shelters and care centers in Dubuque.
“Not only did they deliver the socks, they sang carols, prayed in the chapel and had dinner with the Sisters,” Molly said. “So, as you can see, what started as a small project by our fifth and sixth graders has grown into something much bigger.”
On behalf of the students, Molly is reaching out to the entire community, asking for new socks, toothbrushes, hot cocoa packets, small candies, lip balm and small packages of tissues. Items can be dropped off at the Elkader City Hall, Elkader Public Library and St. Joseph’s Church. Socks will be assembled on Sunday, November 27, at the 10 a.m. mass.
