Red Stocking will not deliver gifts this year

Red Stocking Christmas gifts will not be delivered this year because of growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual fund drive has provided gifts to underprivileged children in the Ottawa and Streator areas since 1923.

The pandemic has been a concern to the Red Stocking Board for several months. Board members have been evaluating ways to make the program work while keeping many volunteers and families safe from the virus.

The goal was to press forward, but input from volunteers and the spread of the virus have made it clear that there are too many safety hazards to overcome.

The board reluctantly has decided to cancel this year’s Christmas gift delivery program.

“This decision weighs heavily on us all,” Board President Tammie Sloup said. “Even after we made adjustments that we believed would help keep everyone safe, we continued to run into obstacles. After many discussions amongst the board and volunteers in light of the increasing coronavirus cases throughout the state, we came to the decision to cancel.

“Making this more difficult is the likelihood the need for Red Stocking will be even greater this year due to the pandemic. But limiting volunteers’ potential exposure is nearly impossible, and we did not feel comfortable putting their health at risk.”

Volunteers with the Zonta Club in Ottawa and Kiwanis Club in Streator were busy over the summer buying gifts before coordinating delivery this year. Their efforts will not be wasted.

Gifts purchased so far this year will be stored and distributed next year.

“I want to thank all our volunteers who have worked so hard over the years and pitched in with ideas this year on how to make this program work during a pandemic,” Sloup said.

“Thousands of children have been served by this program, and this is only possible through donors and volunteers. Everyone involved in Red Stocking is looking forward to bringing the program back next year.”