Rear Admiral John P. Currier presented the Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children board members the Distinguished Coast Guard Public Service award at the ISCG All Hands meeting on April 13.

Currier noted that the USCG’s philanthropic tradition is heightened by the success of the Holiday Stocking program and expressed appreciation for the Coast Guard’s affiliation with the organizations. The board members present to receive the award were Pearl Grantham, Janet deCarteret, Marianne Parsons, all of Bellevue, and Jan Maxson (the organization’s founder) and Mary Ann Liebert. Not present for the award were Bobette Scheid, President, Wendy DeLong, Sally Garrett, Lyn Lindstom.

Founded in 1994, Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children is an all-volunteer organization. In the past 14 years, the organization has created and distributed nearly 20,000 holiday stocking to shelters in the Puget Sound region. This past year the organization distributed 2,165 stockings to 53 shelters as well as filling back-packs with socks, winter scarves and toiletries to 400 homeless street kids.

Sewing and filling Holiday stockings for these children has been the mission and passion of 12 women, most spouses of Coast Guard retired officers.

Founded in 1994, Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children is an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) organization. In the past 14 years, the organization has created and distributed nearly 20,000 holiday stocking to shelter in the Puget sound region. This past year the organization distributed 2165 stockings to 53 shelters as well as filling back-packs with socks, winter scarves and toiletries to 400 homeless street kids.

Stocking are created for all children ages from infancy to age 17.  Toiletries and other items are also provided to homeless.