Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Applications for Red Stocking, the Vineyard’s own effort to provide food and clothing for Island children from birth through grade eight, will be available by Oct. 26. Last year Red Stocking provided for over 419 children in need of neighborly assistance.

Applications may be obtained at most branches of all Island banks, at Martha’s Vineyard Insurance Co. in Vineyard Haven, at all elementary schools, at the early childhood program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, at the tribal headquarters in Aquinnah, at the Massachusetts Department of Families and Children, at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, at the Dukes County Regional Housing office, at Morgan Woods and at the Island Food Pantry.

Applications will also be available at the Health Care Access office, where assistance will be available for Portuguese-speaking families. Please call 508-696-0020.

Parents are strongly encouraged to apply early, preferably by Nov. 15, so that they might receive food vouchers prior to Thanksgiving.

Gift wrapping will be done at Grace Church on Monday, Dec. 10 through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Volunteer wrappers may call Patricia Carlet at 508-693-3187 to let her know when they are available to help.

Distribution will be on Dec. 14.

For further information, call Kerry Alley at 508-693-2324 or Lorraine Clark at 508-693-0725. Checks in support of Red Stocking may be mailed to Susie Wallo, Treasurer, P.O. Box 600, Edgartown, MA 02539.

Kerry H. Alley, Oak Bluffs