Child Watch: Christmas Stocking Project

By Cassie Johnson

Pretend you’re moving into a new home: new surroundings, new views, and a new family. You won’t enter your new house with expensive luggage or even a suitcase. You’re embarrassed because the only thing you have is a garbage bag containing very few belongings. The volunteers of CASA of West Kentucky with Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center are working hard to ensure no child in the CASA program experiences this terrible feeling.

“It’s traumatic enough that 80-85% of children in the system don’t get to bring any of their own possessions with them. If they are lucky enough to bring toys or blankets, they deserve something better than a garbage bag to carry them in,” said Liz Hansen, CASA Volunteer Coordinator with Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center. The project began four years ago when the CASA Program Director at that time, Julie McKeel, knew something could be done for the children who had nothing to put their belongings in except a garbage bag. The wonderful volunteers in the community began sewing stockings to give them in order to carry their belongings properly. This act of kindness shows every child they are valued and loved.

The first year a child is given an oversized stocking, the second year a pillowcase, and the third year a cinch bag or small backpack. To make it more meaningful, each pillowcase and stocking is embroidered with the child’s name.

Hansen says, “This is something beautiful made just for that child. It belongs to them, and sometimes a feeling of belonging is what they need most. Sadly, some children are in the foster system long enough to collect all three items and we are brainstorming on a fourth option.”

Each item is packed full of surprises before being delivered to the recipient. As you can imagine, it takes dozens of gifts for ages newborn through 18 years to fill so many Christmas stockings and bags. When purchasing items to donate, think small.

“Everything has to fit into a pillowcase, stocking, or small backpack,” Hansen said. “Large items like board games make great gifts, but they won’t fit. Items such as costume jewelry, action figures, small puzzles, and books are wonderful. Hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hair products are appreciated as well. Walmart and Amazon gift cards are ideal for teenagers.”

While technology provides multiple options for gifts, keep in mind that not every child has a smartphone or tablet. Items such as ear buds or personal sized speakers are welcome, but please make sure they have Bluetooth capabilities. This way, the child has options to connect the device to a variety of electronics.

Leftover gifts don’t go to waste. Gift donations are also used to celebrate birthdays, graduations, or other special occasions. Child Watch has “Santa’s Workshop” where CASA volunteers personally go and pick out individual gifts for the children they represent.

“This line of work isn’t always fun or easy. It’s challenging, but our CASA volunteers love the children and do their best to provide stability for them. Being able to choose gifts for that child, knowing they will love it, brings a smile to every volunteer’s heart,” Hansen told me.

Donating to the Christmas Stocking Project is easier than ever thanks to online shopping.

Child Watch has an extensive wish list on Amazon full of gift options, all priced reasonably at $25 or less. The list will be completed no later than Black Friday, which is November 26th.

Shop for these items on Amazon by searching the Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center Christmas Stocking Stuffers Wish List, or type in the direct link at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/33AN40TVM0UAR?ref_=wl_share.

Only new, unopened items are acceptable, and we ask that all gifts be dropped off at Child Watch by November 29.

All gifts will benefit CASA children in the western Kentucky area. For questions concerning donations or volunteering to sew the stockings or pillow cases, call Liz Hansen at 270.443.1440.

Visit childwatchcac.org or facebook.com/ childwatchcac for more information.