The church participates in the program, says Vanderhoff, so children will know that someone cares for them and God loves them. The stocking outreach began nine years ago at Cornerstone Church. As word of the ministry spread, churches began a network. Members of Sunday school classes, women and men's ministries, youth groups and families volunteered to make and fill stockings. Teen Challenge student-residents were enlisted to help dispense the stockings in Portland.
Driver says it became evident that more than the recipients felt blessed by the giveaway.
Many people in our church don't have the means to give. But they have the joy of getting to go out and dispense these stockings. Besides stuffed animals, coloring books, stickers and gum, some churches include Bibles, gospel tracts or cards in the stockings. James Boyd, pastor of Portland Metro Church, says more than 15 churches will send stockings to his church this year. The partnership has encouraged him.