Nonprofit seeks donations to stuff military Christmas stockings

Local nonprofit Military Connections isn’t just looking for volunteers to help sew more than 10,000 Christmas stockings that will be shipped to soldiers stationed overseas.

It is looking for people to supply the stuffing.

This year’s sewing day will be Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Murrysville Alliance Church, 4130 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

“It’s a great day,” said Margaret “Rusty” Frankoski, who had nearly 4,500 stockings already boxed up in her basement in mid-July. “We serve lunch, and veterans from the church help carry the sewing machines in and set up the sewing tables.”

Volunteers are asked to bring their own sewing machine, extension cord and basic sewing supplies. They will be provided with stocking patterns and the material to create them.

As for stuffing, Military Connections is asking for donations of the following items:

• Granola bars

• 5 Hour Energy drinks

• Candy canes

• Mints/gum

• Pop-Tarts

• Lollipops

• Skittles

• Starburst

• Rice Krispies Treats

• Cheez-Its

• Individual bags of trail mix, nuts, snacks, cookies or crackers

• Fruit snacks

• Powerbars

• Single-serve powdered Gatorade

• Slim Jims

• Chocolate candy

• Christmas candy/snacks

Donations are accepted at Military Connections, 312 Auburn St. in Penn Hills, or at the Northwest Savings Bank, 6284 Library Road in Bethel Park. For more, see MilitaryConnections.org.