Hold a Homeless Stocking Giveaway Party this Christmas

Looking for a way to give something back this year? Why not spread the holiday cheer with a homemade stocking for the homeless? The best way to do this is to hold a stocking party and have everyone bring something to add to the stockings and a sewing machine. Work assembly-line style, cutting, sewing, trimming and stuffing the stockings.

To make the actual stocking, you will need some holiday fabric that is fairly sturdy. Red or green corduroy is perfect, or you can use felt, denim, anything really. For cheap fabric, try hitting the thrift shops and buy old clothing or use your own cast-offs. There's no reason the stockings have to match. Making your own pattern is pretty simple, just draw a big fat sock, at least 12" tall and 6" wide.

Sewing the stocking is nice and easy. Simply cut out the pattern, adding ¼" seam allowance all around, with an extra inch at the top. Place the right sides of the fabric together, sew from one side all the way around to the top again, then turn down the top inch and hem under. If you want to add trim, this is a good time to do so. Ribbons, sequins or trinkets can be hand-sewn to the stocking. For large quantities, it's not advisable to fuss too much.

To stuff the stockings, you can pick up bulk lots of items and have an assembly line for stuffing. The items don't have to be fun, they can also be practical, since you will be giving these away to homeless people. Wal-Mart or Costco are good places to look for stocking stuffers, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

- Socks or gloves

- Mandarin orange

- Can of soup

- Box of matches

- Comb

- Toothbrush and toothpaste

- Handkerchief

- Scarf or hat

- Candy

- Roll of quarters

- Vitamins

- Notepad and pen

- Bar of soap

- Mini bottle shampoo or hand lotion

- Chapstick

- Invitation to a local soup kitchen Christmas dinner

These items don't need to be wrapped, they can be put straight into the stockings. Of course, you can add anything else you like, such as fresh-baked cookies, etc. If you know you will be giving out stockings for children, too, you might try to include some toys as well.

The stockings can be handed out at a local shelter or soup kitchen, or you can simply give them to those on the street. If you do go through a shelter, be sure to contact them ahead of time and ask for permission. They can also give you a good idea of how many people to expect.

This holiday season, give something to the less fortunate and have fun doing it with friends and family!