Black Bear 4-H in Nisswa helps bring Christmas to women's center

Spreading Christmas joy is what the Black Bear 4-H Club in Nisswa had in mind when planning their annual Christmas project. Serving community is a tradition in the club that was formed 23 years ago.

“I wasn’t surprised when the club voted to make Christmas stockings again this year,” club leader Cindy Terwilliger said in a news release. “I am impressed by the willingness to give shown by the young people of this club.”

Amber Hidde, club youth leader, cut parts for the stockings and assembled them into groups of 10 for families to take home to sew. Last year, 96 stockings were cut, sewn and delivered by the club.

This year, the goal was 100, and 105 stockings were completed and delivered to the Mid-Minnesota Women's Center in Brainerd.

After a budget was set, the club shopped at a local dollar store to find gifts for the 55 boys and girls ages 0-16 who are now residing at the center. The remainder of the stockings will be filled with donations from other organizations.

Tyler and Wyatt Miller, new club members, said participating in this project made them happy as they were able to bring smiles to others.

Chase Friedrich added, “I learned there are a lot of people who need help around Christmastime.”

Luci Viehauser said: “Because of our 4-H club, kids at the shelter will have a Christmas stocking filled with gifts.”

1/2: Stockings from Black Bear 4-H are donated to Mid Minnesota Women's Center. Contributed / Black Bear 4-H

2/2: Black Bear 4-H club shops for items to stuff in 105 stockings they later donated to Mid Minnesota Women's Center. Contributed / Black Bear 4-H