Over the years, our partnership with Stockings With Care has allowed us to brighten the holidays spirit for thousands of families marginalized by poverty. The Stockings With Care philanthropic style of the “Secret Santa” removes the stigma of poverty and neediness. A child or teen can enjoy their gift PERIOD, with nothing added or subtracted. There is no assault to the youngsters pride, just pure joy—a very beautiful thing. It empowers the head(s) of households, most of whom are single women by letting parents give their children something simply for the joy of it that is not a necessity of life at a time when necessities are hard to come by.
— Long Life Agency Staff
Stockings with Care is what Christmas is truly about. Anonymous giving, and working together to accomplish it with grace. Each year we create a Santa Factory from scratch, make sure each child gets what they want, and pack it up and get it where it needs to go. I’m always amazed and exhausted and inspired.
— Kim Sherman, Stockings With Care Volunteer for 5 years
In the past several years, the Healthy Families children have benefited from the generous donations from Stockings with Care. The gifts provided by so many wonderful donors, brightens up the faces of these children who didn’t expect to get anything for the holidays. The most rewarding experience is when the parents are overwhelmed with joy and are appreciative for this help during the busiest time of year. What makes Stockings with Care stand out from other charities is the families get to pick the items for their child within a specific price range and they always receive an item or two from their wish list. It is an empowering experience for the parents, because it is not just a handout but a process of inclusion. When they see that someone took the time to get something from their wish list, they have a renewed sense of community. Many of these families in turn carry out this sense of giving by sharing baby items from their children with other program participants. It is a wonderful experience to see that the giving is extended beyond the holidays. As a program we are continuously blessed with the kind hearts of the volunteers and donors of Stockings with Care. We hope that this year the children can have a memorable holiday season like the years before.
— Terri-Ann Villas, Healthy Families New York
I sat with Rosalie at dinner one night 22 years ago, while she dreamed the dream of Stockings With Care. Over the years, I witnessed the dream become a vibrant reality, and cheered as hundreds of enthusiastic Santas joined the ranks. These are the true, unsung heroes of Christmas. They leave Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen in the dust.
— Tom Fontana, Board Member and Co-Founder, Stockings With Care
Stockings With Care brings joy to hundreds of Win children every Holiday Season. I am always amazed at the generous packages given by the Santas! Bags and bags of beautiful gifts go to our families and not only make the children very happy, but provide the parents with a sense of relief. Many parents, whether working low-wage jobs or unemployed, need help when it comes to the Holiday Season. Groups like Stockings With Care give us a way to offer those parents a chance to save their money for future housing while still providing their children with a happy and fun Holiday. Win is very grateful for the long partnership we have had with Stockings With Care!
— Women in Need Staff
SWC and First Day NY put smiles on children’s faces each holiday season and at the start of each school year . As a young professional, I wanted to be part of an organization dedicated to inspiring dreams in the lives of thousands of NYC shelter children, which is why I have continued to be actively involved since 2007.
— Liza Ng, Board Member, Stockings With Care
Stockings With Care is an amazing opportunity to bring the joy of Christmas morning to the hearts of homeless kids. How wonderful it is to know that you are directly helping to make a child’s life better. Santa is real, he is all of us.
— Josh Banks and Rachel Helson, Stockings With Care Donor and Volunteer for four years
Now that my children are grown, the one thing I miss about Christmas is shopping for Little Ones. Thanks God for SWC. Every year I get to shop for toys and it brings back so many memories for me – getting that one special item on my son and daughter’s list. Now I have many lists and you know I WILL find that one special toy. Also, on Christmas morning when I am surrounded by my family, a warmth comes over me when I think of all those children that are smiling as they too are opening their gifts.
The one thing that I remember most (NO, it wasn’t shopping with the Cruises in FAO Schwartz) was a special list I received from a child. On the list were 3 simple things that he requested not for himself but for his mother. You know I made sure he got everything she wanted and also added a few extra things for him.
Whomever said it is BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE is SO RIGHT.
— Rita Sacchi
