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Stockings for Soldiers donations accepted through Nov. 14

September 25, 2016

This year marks the 13th Stockings for Soldiers campaign to provide some holiday cheer to the brave men and women in uniform serving their country halfway around the world. It began when a soldier's parents discovered that many soldiers did not receive anything for the holidays. So they set out to make sure that any soldier who wanted one would get a stocking. Last year, 1,264 boxes, weighing 43,000 pounds, filled with almost 9,000 individually addressed stockings and 1,200 small fleece blankets and 500 knitted hats were sent.

The program's success depends upon hundreds of volunteers who assemble the stockings and countless others who contribute the supplies. The program is centered in Wilmington, but Sussex County residents have been active over the past few years. Local groups have included the Henlopen Landing Community Association, The First Town Club, VIA of Rehoboth Beach, Zwaanendael Club, Sussex Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, The Glade Quilting Ladies and many individuals. Also, the congregations of St. Jude the Apostle Church of Lewes, The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist of Milton and the Felton-Viola United Methodist Church of Felton generously contributed.

Stocking stuffers include candy, nuts, Beanie Babies for the local kids, black crew socks, used paperback books, beef jerky and more. For more information, a complete list of suggested stocking stuffers, and moving notes from grateful soldier recipients, go to www.stockingsforsoldiers.org.

In addition to stocking stuffers, tax-deductible financial contributions are requested to pay for shipping to the individual sites. Donations can be accepted through Monday, Nov. 14. Transportation to Wilmington of the donated items will be provided. For more information for any group or individual interested in contributing, contact Sussex coordinators Marianne and Carl Sheran at 302-547-6878.

 

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