Adopt-A-Stocking
Menomonee Falls church members open their hearts to local elementary school students
There were nothing but smiles on the faces of students of Concordia University School after they received their Christmas stockings from Grace Lutheran Church, which sponsors a “Adopt-a-Stocking” program during the holiday season. This was the program’s fifth year. (Photo by Robert Bell)
There’s something absolutely magical about this special season. It’s during this time of year that hearts are open and willing to give to those in need.
That’s just the case for members of Grace Lutheran Church, located in Menomonee Falls, who for the fifth year have opened their hearts to students attending a local elementary school.
Grace Lutheran Church has created and sponsored the Adopt-a-Stocking program. Each year church members have sown, decorated, stuffed and delivered just over 200 Christmas stockings to students attending Concordia University School, located on Milwaukee’s northwest side.
Concordia University School students recently received their special stockings during the school’s Christmas programs, held on December 13 and 17.
Debbie Davis, a member of Grace Lutheran Church, created the program from reflective memories of her youth when she was surprised by Christmas stockings filled with goodies.
She thought that children should be rewarded and each child should have his or her own stocking.
With the support of her pastor, the Rev. Warren Granke, Grace Lutheran’s Adopt-a-Stocking program was created and five years later is still making a special impact on those who participate.
In fact, this year marked the distribution of more than 1,000 Christmas stockings.
Said Davis: “The impact on the children who receive the stockings, those who make them and the families and children who fill them has been incredible. Over the years we have had visitors to our church ask for information so they could start their own stocking program at their home churches.”
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ABCs for Healthy Families Wants Pregnant Women to RELAX This Holiday Season
Managing Stress is Good for Both Mom and Baby
ABCs for Healthy Families recently launched Journey of a Lifetime; Healthy Babies through Healthy Families, to combat the disturbing infant mortality rate for African Americans in Southeastern Wisconsin. The major goal of this campaign is to provide African American women and their families with strategies, tools, and tips for reducing stress that may lead to an adverse birth outcome, and with the holiday season fast approaching, this message is even timelier.
Traditionally, the holidays are a time of year that many look forward to – but with unrealistic expectations for a “perfect” holiday, this seasonal stress can become problematic, and could, if not managed, impact birth outcomes.
“We are asking all of our mothers-to-be to R-E-L-A-X this season; focus on themselves and their babies; and look for new ways to create memories that will last a lifetime,” says Dr. Murray Katcher. R-E-L-A-X is a great acronym; easy to remember and appropriate for our audience.
R – Rest. Getting enough sleep is vital for mom and baby – and as such, this has to a priority, even during the hectic holiday season. In addition to nighttime sleep – mothers may consider quiet time – that promotes meditation or spiritual solitude.
E – Establish Limits. Both financial and physical boundaries may be stretched, but learning to say “NO” may be beneficial. Determine your holiday gifting budget, and stick to it! Credit cards and cash to payday loans are NOT helpful in the long run.
L-Lean on others – Asking for help is smart, and resources are often available for those in need. Instead of exchanging gifts with family and friends, swap personal services. Local non-profits and faith based organizations may be able to provide assistance as well.
A- Acknowledge you and your baby’s needs – Healthy moms promote healthy babies – so keep yourself as healthy as possible: Eat right, exercise, and avoid situations that may exacerbate stress. Follow your doctor’s orders to keep you and baby as healthy as possible.
X- eXpectations – Keep them realistic: Picture perfect holidays only happen in the movies!
This holiday season may be the first for your baby – so make it a great one!
Journey of a Lifetime; Healthy Infants through Healthy Families is federally funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services through a joint collaboration of New Concept Self Development Center and Jump at the Sun Consultants.
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