Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

Heartfelt thanks to the Martha’s Vineyard community both near and far for once again making the magic happen for over 300 children. Red Stocking depends on so many 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 appreciated.

We thank all those who support our mission — those who make individual donations, raise money through various endeavors, Island businesses who donated goods and bicycles, all the quilters, knitters and sewers who lovingly made warm hats, mittens, scarves, and this year, beautiful quilted book pillows.

We thank the Harley Riders for collecting cash donations, toys and bikes with helmets. Thanks to Pat Alley and her merry band of shoppers, individuals, companies and friend groups who sponsored children.

Thank you to the various communities of faith for their contributions, our elementary schools, the Oak Bluffs EMS for their toy drive, the Edgartown Police Department for holding their annual stuff a bus, and the help of the Tisbury Police Department on distribution day.

And we are always amazed by the angels who just arrive with gifts.

We especially thank the Good Shepherd Parish for the use of the community space in the basement of St. Augustine’s 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 blessed and grateful.

While we once again missed welcoming volunteers during the week of Red Stocking, we knew you were all there with us in spirit. And, of course, our deepest thanks to our extraordinary board of directors; we thank them for their time, talents and literally hundreds of hours of work that made the magic happen for the 84th year.

Our mission was the same as it always has been: to provide a merry and magical Christmas for the children on Martha’s Vineyard who needs us.

To everyone, wherever you may be, may your hearts be full of the gifts you received by giving. Thank you, Martha’s Vineyard and the world; you are extraordinary.

Susie Wallo and Sandy Joyce

The writers are co-chairs of the Red Stocking Fund, Inc.