Anderson siblings’ kindness will fill ‘Stockings of Hope’

MADISON – The kindness of two Madison siblings will result in gifts for “Stockings of Hope.”

Kathryn Anderson has founded Stockings of Hope with help from her brother, Lennon Anderson. (CONTRIBUTED)

Kathryn Anderson, a Discovery Middle School seventh-grader, first conceptualized “Stockings of Hope” two years ago. “Kathryn cut out a little paper stocking and wrote words of love and hope on it. She wanted to take stockings filled with hope to homeless children,” her mother Michelle Anderson said.

Kathryn wanted each stocking to contain Bibles, storybooks, stuffed animals and toys. “Kathryn’s dream was as big as her heart,” Michelle said. “Every child, regardless of their current situation, needs hope.”

Kathryn’s brother, Lennon Anderson, is helping by developing a website, stockingsofhope.com and Facebook page. Lennon is a freshman at Bob Jones High School. Their father is Tony Anderson.

Their mission is based on Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

After research, Kathryn chose the Downtown Rescue Mission and Harris Home for Children to receive the stockings. She met with employees and toured both sites to identify their greatest needs.

Kathryn’s cheer squad at Discovery and the Bob Jones Beta Club, in which Lennon is a member, are helping.

People can donate numerous items:

* Stockings, regular and children’s Bibles and small devotional books, bookmarks and other items with Bible verses, especially Romans 15:13 and Jeremiah 29:11.

* Toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, diapers and wipes.

* Socks, nail polish, lip gloss and small purses.

* Small stuffed animals, coloring books with Christian themes, crayons and small toys.

* Full and twin bed sheets, bath towels and dish towels.

Drop-off locations are Good Samaritan Hospice, 540 Hughes Road; Discovery Middle School lobby; Bob Jones; All Things Theatrical/West Main Studios, 12090 County Line Road, Suite F; and Brookdale Place at Jones Farm on Turnmeyer Drive in south Huntsville.

The last day to donate items will be Dec. 6.

For more information, visit stockingsofhope.com or Facebook/stockingsofhope.