In a joint effort, United Way in Waukesha County along with the Waukesha County Corporate Volunteer Council (WCCVC), and local Waukesha businesses created and donated over 700 stockings filled with age-appropriate treats for children, adults, and seniors. The program, St. Nick’s Helpers, now in its second year provides a little holiday cheer to individuals who may not have otherwise received a gift this season.
Individuals and companies donated items, money, and time to fill and deliver the stockings to less fortunate families in Waukesha County. Items in the stockings for children included hats, mittens or gloves, candy, bubbles, small toys, crayons, and coloring books. Adult and senior stockings included hats, mittens or gloves, small personal hygiene items, candles, note pads, puzzle books, and small trinkets.
Area Girl Scout troops got together to sew and stuff over 100 stockings. Scout leader, Kim Welter, spoke highly of the event, “St. Nick's Helpers is a great way to make a big difference with a small amount of money and effort! Our Girl Scout Troop had so much fun sewing and decorating stockings, shopping for others, and stuffing the stockings. We were truly amazed at how many people are willing to help with such an effort, you just have to ask! Girls collected items at Thanksgiving parties, families spread the word to others they knew would want to help and the donations to our cause were absolutely fantastic! The feeling you get from helping others in need during the holiday season is so wonderful and this is a great way to give back to our community. With this being my second year contributing to St. Nick's Helpers, I can honestly say it will not be the last. In fact, we've already started shopping the Christmas clearance sections for items to stuff next year!”
Some of the over 700 stockings were stuffed at the Salvation Army in Waukesha. Major Carol Lemirand, Corps Officer, said, "It was fun to host a portion of the stocking stuffing in our facility. It truly seemed like a St. Nick workshop right here in Waukesha. There were so many caring people who have vision for the happiness of others who often have so little joy. We heard from some of the recipients how fun it was to experience an occasion missed as a child. One person said they never shared Christmas because their father was absent and their mom worked several jobs to keep them sheltered and fed. This blessing as an adult had a great impact on their view of our community."
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please visit www.UnitedWayWaukesha.org or if you are interested in the St. Nick’s Helper Program please contact Lori Hayes at Lori@UnitedWayWaukesha.org.
