Red Stocking Fund

The Red Stocking Fund distributes food vouchers for Thanksgiving and again in March, but its big push comes from the winter holidays. The money collected is used to purchase clothing and gifts and to supply Island families with holiday meals. In November, the Red Stocking Fund distributes applications through banks, schools and churches. Families in need are placed on a list to receive grocery gift certificates around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Parents of children up to the eighth grade can provide a list of their children’s most needed clothing and hoped-for toys. The toy donations all come from individuals and local businesses and organizations, including the Good Shepherd Parish. The Red Stocking accepts only new toys, games, or books. All kids get a book and some sort of art supplies. Each package includes several major items of clothing, like a jacket or sweater, in addition to pajamas, socks, underwear, hats and mittens. The last two are generally handmade items donated