Volunteers assemble gift bundles for Operation Christmas Stocking, December 20, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Christmas stocking bundles being distributed to patients at Chinook Regional Hospital

Dec 20, 2022 | 11:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Volunteers at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) are helping to spread some holiday joy.

They are working to assemble more than 630 gift bundles for patients at the hospital through the Operation Christmas Stocking project.

Volunteer Bobbi Harvey says they receive handmade stockings from people in the Lethbridge area. The Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital then buy a variety of items to brighten up peoples’ day.

Recipients can expect a variety of activities, art supplies, hygienic products, and more. Stockings for children will also include toys and plushies.

“I think the patients really appreciate them and some of them will keep their stockings because, as you can see, some of them are really beautifully-made,” says Harvey.

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Perhaps the most heartwarming part of Operation Christmas Stocking, adds Harvey, are the Letters of Hope. This is where school-aged children from around the area make hand-written notes that are bundled with each stocking.

Harvey has been volunteering with the program for over 25 years and says it always brings a big smile to her face when she gets to see people receiving their stockings.

As of Tuesday morning, December 20, 2022, Harvey noted that volunteers still had around 100 stockings left to pack.

Anybody who would like to support the Operation Christmas Stocking project can visit the Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital website.

Operation Christmas Stocking bundles, December 20, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Operation Christmas Stocking bundles, December 20, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

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