Making a Difference Close to Home
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re more concerned about where to go for dinner and not if you’re going to have dinner at all. This pandemic has been tough for those most vulnerable, including the 100,000+ NYC schoolchildren who are homeless. You can make a difference and grant a child’s wish for the holidays, for less than the cost of that dinner out. Here are the deets.
The Charity: Stockings with Care
The Impact:
Imagine being a child who doesn’t get visited by Santa on Christmas. For many families, holiday presents of toys and clothes just aren’t an option. That’s where Stockings with Care steps in — to give every child gifts during the holidays.
Stockings with Care was founded in 1992 by Rosalie Joseph and Tom Fontana. The organization’s mission is to make sure every child feels loved and cared for on Christmas. Some children just don’t feel like Christmas is for them, but with the help of volunteers working hard to make each child’s dreams come true, no child feels unloved or forgotten.
The process is simple. First, Stockings with Care collects individual wish lists from children and teens across the NYC area. Then, the charity assigns each child a Santa — an individual or group who commits to buying two to three gifts from that child’s wish list. The organization also collects cash donations to purchase wish list items for those who don’t get matched. Next, volunteers gather to collect and wrap each gift, which are then shipped off to the children’s families who give them out on Christmas.
Stockings with Care makes an immediate impact, as children are heard and receive gifts directly from their wish list. The “Secret Santa” program removes all stigma, so children can enjoy their gifts uncompromised. Thanks to Stockings with Care, all children can experience the true spirit of Christmas, by feeling loved and cared for.
Santa Sponsorship: Become a Santa and purchase two to three items on a child’s wish list.
Individual Donation: Make a donation on PayPal to help Stockings with Care get gifts for children who do not get matched with a Santa.
Corporate Sponsorship: Connect your company with Stockings with Care and make a world of difference.
Spread the Word: Raise awareness by spreading the word on your social media or in your community. Resources can be found on the website.
This is a charity you can make as a family project as well. Contact [email protected] for additional details.
