More than 400 Christmas stockings have been created and gifted to care leavers aged 16–24 across 91Ƭthis festive season, thanks to an extraordinary community effort led by Home for Good 91Ƭand supported by 91ƬCounty Council.
The Stocking Appeal aims to reach as many young people as possible, offering a moment of joy and connection at what can be a difficult time of year for many care-experienced young people.
Some young people do not feel able to return to former foster homes or do not have family to spend the day with.
Several young people shared that they often spend Christmas alone, simply waiting for the day to pass.
The stocking contents - chosen by and with care-experienced young people - were intentionally fun and comforting, prioritising “things they want, not things they need.” Items included chocolate coins, mini games, shower gel, Haribo, fluffy socks, and indoor fairy lights.
The project received generous support from churches, schools and community groups including The Stitchery, Life House, Hope Church, St Peter’s, All Saints, Upton Baptist, Worcester Food Bank, The King’s School Worcester, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, and the 5th Worcester Guides – who helped stuff the stockings.
Staff across 91ƬCounty Council also donated gifts, volunteered time, and came together to help assemble the stockings, which were then delivered across the county by the council’s Care Leavers Team.
Young people who received stockings last year shared the difference they made:
“I received a stocking when I was recently out of prison and living in a caravan. I had no heating and it was a pretty miserable existence. The fluffy socks were a Godsend – it’s hard to explain just how grateful I was for having warm feet.”
“I don’t have anything else to open Christmas Day so I’ll save this until then.”
“I loved the fairy lights. I added them to my decorations and put them in a vase. I’d been looking for a notebook like that for ages!”
“I love the unicorn shower gel. I can never find it in the supermarket - it's one of my favourites!”
“Chocolate coins! I had these when I was little.”
Stuart Watkins, Chair of Trustees at Home for Good 91Ƭsaid: “Christmas can be a difficult time for some of our young people, and we hope that the Christmas Stockings are a very small gesture to show that we are thinking of them. We want to thank everyone who has contributed and helped with the Christmas Stocking appeal. You have been wonderful.”
Councillor Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at 91ƬCounty Council, said: “This project shows 91Ƭat its very best - caring, generous and determined to support our young people. We know that Christmas can be a lonely and emotional time for many care leavers, so these stockings send a powerful message: you matter, you are not forgotten, and your community is behind you. A big thank you to Home for Good for leading this important project, and to every volunteer and donor who helped make it possible.”
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