Click here to see photos from the Christmas Stocking Project

Syosset, NY - Fifteen thousand Christmas stockings or equivalent gifts again gladdened the hearts of children in Eastern Europe and in four Alaskan villages due to the continued generosity of almost 600 parishes, youth groups, FOCA chapters and individuals. The gifts were designated especially for orphans, children in hospitals and treatment centers, those in large families and in some of the parish church schools.

The young people of our parishes – in church schools, youth groups, Jr. FOCA chapters - undertook projects to raise funds by treating parishioners to delicious brunches, dinners, a “kapusta” sale, a cook-out, ice cream sundaes, baked goods, a bowl-a-thon, hand picked and pressed apple cider among other social and creative events. One church school with an ecological bent sold hand decorated jars filled with cookie mix, with the suggestion that they be brought back to the church and used as water receptacles at Epiphany. Several other groups collected bottles and soda cans. Overall, there were more youth projects reported this year than last year.

The $72,000 raised was made up of donations great and small. All were needed in order to reach our goal. “We are continually delighted with the success of this project each year,” says Mrs. Arlene Kallaur, coordinator. “It attests to the loving spirit of our people, young and old, who share so generously, especially to brighten the holidays for these little children.”