Even though Halloween and Thanksgiving have yet to be celebrated, one local organization is already looking ahead to the holiday season. Throughout the year, the Central Kentucky Homemakers Quilt Guild has crafted 160 stockings, which will be delivered to Franklin County homebound seniors via the Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels program, but are in need of donations to stuff the stockings with.

An annual tradition for the Central Kentucky Homemakers Quilt Guild, the stockings are sewn and small, useful, fun and thoughtful items from the community are collected to distribute to those served by the Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels program.

Suggested items include: individually wrapped snack items — Smart Pop, peanut butter crackers, etc.; packaged candies; small toiletries, e.g. hotel toiletries, shampoos, lotions, conditioners, antibacterial lotion/soap, small soaps, bath sponges, travel pack of wipes; Chapstick, chewing gum; toothbrush, toothpaste; word game booklets, Suduko, word search, etc. (large print preferred); pencils, pens, decks of cards, puzzles; coloring books, colored pencils; dominoes or other small games; combs and brushes; small picture frames; 2025 calendars; nail clippers; holiday socks with non-slip pads; stamps and note cards (We will bundle a few for each recipient, then paper clip the same number of stamps.); small colognes or perfumes; Christmas ornaments; small scented candles; $10 gift cards — Kroger, Amazon, etc.; mug rugs/coasters; handwritten note cards of good cheer, inspiration, Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas; frequently used office supplies, e.g. Scotch tape, large markers, ink pens, etc.; reading glasses and glasses case holders.

Donations will be accepted until Nov. 20th at either Independence Bank location: 450 Versailles Road and 1228 U.S. 127 South during regular business hours or the Franklin County Extension Office at 101 Lakeview Court. Those who would like to have donations picked up or are interested in stuffing stockings can text 502-320-9168.

The Central Kentucky Homemakers Quilt Guild has done its part by creating the stockings, now it is up to the community to stuff them. We commend the quilters for thinking of those who could use an extra pick-me-up during the holiday season and encourage our readers to donate stocking stuffers to this worthy cause.

Originally published in The State Journal
State Journal Editorial Board, October 15, 2024