Stocking Full of Love, organized by the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, has been providing assistance to needy families at Christmas for more than 22 years. Through the program, children receive toys and families receive money for food and clothing. In 2008, almost 2,000 children in Catoosa County received six to nine toys as a result of the community’s participation in the program.

Ringgold Rotary president Denia Reese presented the program as an excellent community service program to local Rotarians. President Reese said, “Many families struggle this time of year. As a parent, I can understand how families are torn between paying their bills and providing presents for their children. Through Stocking Full of Love, they know their children will have presents under the tree so they can focus on paying their bills to maintain their home.”

Reese is superintendent of Catoosa County Public Schools. She added, “Stable homes are critical for our children to be academically successful. Ringgold Rotary was proud to support this very worthy cause.”

In addition to toys for children at Christmas, families have also received assistance with clothing, hearing aids, glasses and other items which improve the quality of life for children in Catoosa County. The Ringgold Rotary raised $250 and Reese applied for a District Simplified Grant to receive matching funds. The club’s $500 donation will be used to purchase toys, books, clothing and food. Rotarians will also assist the Sheriff’s Office as needed to identify families, purchase items, organize stockings, and deliver to families.