As we at Red Stocking are fond of saying, there are angels everywhere. This Christmas season proved this once again. Angels and elves from far and near made it possible for Red Stocking to help 300 Island children have a joyous Christmas. Red Stocking depends on so many to make the magic happen each year and we could not do it without your kindness and generosity. From pennies to dollars and more all of your donations are so needed. We never know when we start in October whether we will be able to pay the bills. As we look at our checkbook we once again thank you from the bottom of our hearts for always making the money magic happen too.

Over many decades Red Stocking was blessed to have Shirley Robinson, one of the best magic makers ever, as a member of the board.

On distribution day you would always find Shirley at the free table, chatting, laughing and giving. Shirley will always be watching over as one of our angels.

We thank all those who support our mission — those who make individual donations, raise money through various endeavors, Island businesses who donate goods, all the quilters who lovingly make quilts year round, the Harley Riders for collecting cash donations, toys and 14 bikes with helmets this year, the many sponsors, our various communities of faith for their contributions, elementary schools, Oak Bluffs EMS, Edgartown police, and the angels who just arrive with gifts.

We particularly thank The Good Shepherd Parish and Father Nagle for the use of the community space in the basement of the church as our headquarters for the week of Red Stocking. You open your doors and your arms to us every year and for this we are very grateful.

As Addie Crist, the founder of Red Stocking shared as she and her friends knitted those first six red stockings; she wanted every Vineyard child to have “something to eat, something to wear, and something to play with” each Christmas. Please know that all of you who support Red Stocking have helped realize the dream that Addie had 80 years ago when it all began.

Thank you, Martha’s Vineyard and the world; you are amazing

Susie Wallo and Sandy Joyce

Oak Bluffs and Edgartown