Operation Stocking Stuffer
Share the magic this Christmas.
Christmas should be a special and magical time for children, but for many living in poverty it's just another time they go without. With the rising cost of living and interest rates many parents who are going through a tough time struggle to purchase gifts for their children. You can help us share the spirit of Christmas and bring smiles to the faces of many disadvantaged children, who might otherwise receive no presents at all this year.
Did you know the tradition of hanging stockings came from when the original Saint Nicholas put gold coins in the stockings of three poor sisters?
One night, the girls left their stockings drying over the fireplace. Saint Nicholas knew the family was very poor, so he threw three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The money landed in the sisters' stockings. Since then, children have hung up their Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve, hoping to find them filled with gifts in the morning. You can help keep this hope alive by supporting Operation Stocking Stuffer.
How Does It Work?
Christmas Stockings are a great way to give a gift with meaning to a child who needs hope the most this season. This year, we are offering two options: Personally shop for your donated Christmas Stocking, or purchase a virtual Christmas Stocking and we will do the shopping for you.
Stockings are given out to children in the Mandurah and Bindjareb (Peel) area by Santa's helpers at our Community Christmas Celebration on the 16th December 2023.
When children experience the magic of Christmas, they know that they matter and are loved.
How to join in the fun?
To share the magic of Christmas we need your help! Businesses, schools, community groups and individuals can get involved in bringing joy to someone in need this Christmas by donating funds for us to purchase and fill stockings, or by filling stockings on their own! Follow the instructions below to become a Bridge Builders Santa and start spreading joy this Christmas.
Purchase and Fill a Stocking
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Purchase, decorate or even make your stocking(s).
Please do not fill the stockings.
Let your creative talents shine and either purchase or make and decorate a stocking.
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Shop for some stocking fillers
Spend between $40 - $50 on items to include in a stocking.
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Drop stocking(s) and stocking fillers off at our Community Food Centre or office Mon, Wed-Fri: 9.00am to 2.00pm or at registered drop off site.
Please note all stockings and stocking fillers must be received by 5th December 2022. Any items received after this deadline will be stored for Christmas 2023.
Donate a Virtual Stocking
Donate to Operation Stocking Stuffer and our Christmas elves will work with Santa to purchase items on your behalf and make a beautiful hand made stocking to be given to a child in need of some joy this Christmas.
Stocking Stuffer Guidelines!
Spend between $40 - $50 per stocking.
Make sure the gifts can fit in a standard sized Christmas stocking.
Please remember to remove or blackout any price tags.
Suggestions for Stocking Stuffers:
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Something Sweet: Chocolates, Christmas Candy Canes, Lollies.
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Something Healthy: Fruit, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap or other personal items.
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Something to Read: A book, magazines, graphic novel, comics.
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Something to Wear: Christmas PJs, T-shirt, shorts, socks and underwear.
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Something to Fun: Small Toy, puzzle, games, speaker, ear buds.
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Art & Craft Supplies: Drawing pads, paper, pens, crayons.
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Miscellaneous: Socks, Sunglasses, hats, flash lights etc.
Please do not include: Used items or things that could harm people (sharp items).
Creative Stocking Stuffer Ideas
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Get a group together and have a stocking stuffer party! This is a great option for organiaations such as businesses and schools to get involved in the Christmas spirit of giving.
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Make a video of your stocking stuffer event. We would love to share your experience with our social media community.
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Have a contest in your organisation to see who can bring in the most stockings/donations.
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Plan a class project in your school where students stuff stockings and learn about supporting those in need.