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Pins and Pals grateful for annual Christmas stocking support

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

Even now, long after Christmas has come and past, the Pins and Pals Quilt guild is feeling the effects of the festive spirit. Based in Gladstone/Plumas, the guild has been making stockings for the 50 residents of Third Crossing Manor for 26 years. A practice that began in 1996 as a guild competition and had transformed into an annual cause to spread cheer, backed entirely by the good will of the area communities. This support is something Pins and Pals is incredibly grateful for.

“Everybody is just fantastic with their support– the whole community,” said guild president Karen Cormier. “It’s very well supported and the thankyou letter we get every year from the Manor… They’re so thankful and it really makes Christmas special.”

Cormier added, “A male nurse this past year dressed up as Santa Claus, and gave everyone their stockings. That was really nice, too, because I think for some residents there, that’s their

Christmas. It’s just a lovely Christmas thing that happens every year.”

For those who may be unaware, every stocking is sewn by a member of the Pins and Pals Quilt Guild, with new stockings (now gift bags in order to accommodate more goodies) being sewn as needed. Then, via individual, support group and business donations, members of the guild col- lect items for the stockings based on a list provided to them by the Manor.

“We work very closely with the recreation director at Third Crossing Manor. This year, we had eight residents who had special dietary needs,” Cormier explained. “[So when we went shopping] we got a good selection of cookies, candies and things like that for people who have diabetes, gluten free restrictions and that kind of things.”

Cormier added, “You know, treats they maybe don’t get very often– chips, oranges, etcetera.”

In addition to the tasty treats, the residents also receive a selection of personal items from the Gladstone Pharmacy. This includes items such as deodorant, hand sanitizer, hand cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“As much as possible, we keep the money in the community, too, so it helps out a lot of people,” Cormier added. “And it’s been going on so long, that people know and they’ll bump into a member of the guild in October or November, and we’ve had quite a few people just pull out a $20 bill towards the stocking fund.”

In addition to the spreading of cheer at Third Manor and supporting of local businesses, Cormier noted that the annual event adds to the community as a whole.

“It really builds community spirit. When I worked with the manager of the Gladstone Pharmacy, she just looked at me one day, because I was in there several times, and she said, ‘You know, Karen, I just believe that people who have, have a responsibility to give.’ And I really liked that,” said Cormier. “I think it’s also connections. Some of the older people in the community know some of the residents and have had a history with them. So it maintains that connection.”

“This is a consistent cause that’s close to everyone’s hearts,” Cormier enthused.

A portion of the proceeds also go towards purchasing plants for the residents to care for throughout the summer and other recreational activities.

In her final comments, Cormier wished to emphasize her gratitude, stating, “A huge thank-you to the people, the service groups and businesses in the Gladstone/Plumas/Austin area for your ongoing and very generous support.”