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A dream and reality merge through love ...
For millions of abandoned children in many countries and across all Russia their Christmas wishes remain only the stuff of dreams. Making their dreams a reality is only possible through the mercy and love of others.
After two years of prayer, searching for ways and opportunities to overcome the barriers of social alienation and indifference caused by harsh life requirements, the charitable project “Stuff a Stocking” was created Ñ a symbol of the oldest European tradition of celebrating the Christian expression of ideas of love, mercy, human solidarity, and pleasure at the arrival to the world of the Savior...
The idea of the project “Stuff a Stocking” was born by the unexpected revelation of natural things Ñ sincere joy and the response of children’s hearts. Each of us has dreams, secret aspirations and desired purposes. Adults forget these feelings of happiness when the picture of children’s imaginations becomes reality which can be seen and felt. Then, having received a gift, kids gratefully exclaim: All my dreams came true!
For us, this became a reflection of human unity and a force for social transformation. The gift symbolizes love and acceptance of the close and beloved person; one that transforms the simple passer-by into a dear friend. The gift presented from a sincere heart can overcome barriers of alienation and aversion, and draw attention to children’s needs. “Stuff a Stocking” is a gift which embodies the spontaneity and vivacity of children’s imaginations, kindness, and the thrill of joyful Christmas tradition.
The Missionaries and their assistants buy the more required items in the countries with a low standard of living, to which they bring the evangelical words about Jesus Christ’s salvation and love. Children have different material needs in the different countries and regions. The homeless require clothes and medicines, orphans require hygiene supplies, kids from needy families require school supplies and books. Gifts for them are packed by those who directly work with them and are well-informed about their needs, requirements and dreams. All this with love and prayers are packed and given to children in the beautiful Christmas Stocking “Stuff a Stocking” together with a colorful children’s Bible.
For some years of its existence, the “Stuff a Stocking” project has become an expression of public diplomacy. Heart-to-heart mercy and involvement in lives of needy people unites people of the different countries, cultures, nationalities and faiths. People participate in preparation of the gifts from many European states, and also Russia and the countries of Commonwealth. Over the past years, more than seven thousand children in the Russian “Stuff a Stocking” project have received these gifts. The majority of them are orphans, and also the homeless ones living at train stations and among warm pipelines in sewers under city streets. For many of them it is the first gift in their lives.
This project is a unique opportunity for giving some variety and joy in children’s lives, presenting hope for those who do not have it, and giving care and attention to those who are deprived of it. Fruits and sweets, toys, warm clothes, school supplies and means of hygiene which they receive as gifts, are not comparable with personal attention, love and care. Therefore the letter is enclosed in each gift with seasonal congratulation and words of love.
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