Project #6: Virginia - A Child's Joy

We now make our way to Virginia where we will share our gifts with A Child’s Joy.org. A Child’s Joy began in 2005, much the way we ourselves began. It began as a personal gift-giving endeavor to donate stockings and stocking stuffers to needy children. The project yielded 45 stockings to donate that first year, and was up to 700 stockings by 2007. As of 2009, they made their goal of 1,200 stockings! A Child’s Joy was incorporated in April of 2007 and now has an IRS status of 501(c)3. This project was suggested by AYoung, who will be our volunteer coordinator for this project. She works for the organization as the donations coordinator. Here is information about A Child’s Joy from their website:

“Our Mission…
To provide joy and encouragement to low income, physically or mentally challenged, abandoned, or orphaned children between the ages of five and twelve through the distribution of filled Christmas stockings; to enhance local outreach and community involvement by operating A Child’s Joy primarily in Fairfax County, Virginia, while partnering with other non-profit organizations such as the Fairfax Church of Christ and Our Neighbor’s Child. A Child’s Joy will minister to all children, regardless of denomination or race.”

What we are making for THIS PROJECT:
Christmas Stockings: opening must be at least 5 inches wide
stocking stuffer toys of your choice

As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. There is a sewing pattern available from A Child’s Joy if you wish to sew one and need a pattern. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!

DEADLINE:
Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is April 5, so please allow appropriate mail time.

As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is ayoung on Ravelry. The mailing address for this project is:

Ashley Young
6702 Jenny Leigh Ct.
Centreville, VA 20121

Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!

Here is a free stocking pattern on Ravelry.

This SEARCH RESULT for “stocking, free” on Ravelry pattern search yielded many patterns from which to choose!