Stockings4Smiles is currently seeking donations, until December 16 at 5 pm, for the Women’s Center and patients at Danbury Hospital this holiday season.

The nonprofit organization was founded by Newtown resident Alex Radachowsky in December 2016.

Ms Radachowsky says that Stockings4Smiles’ mission “is to brighten someone’s holiday with just a simple gesture. Some children may have to spend their holiday in the hospital instead of their home, and we want to provide them an activity or holiday cheer to brighten their stay.”

What started as a simple desire to fill some extra Christmas stockings with goods to give to those in need has snowballed over the years.

After nearly four holiday seasons, Stockings4Smiles has grown in its ability to help more people, thanks to the community and local shops’ participation in contributing.

“All of the donations we collect go directly to the children at Danbury Hospital and to the women’s shelter,” Ms Radachowsky said.

Items like puzzles, small games, coloring/activity books, and stuffed animals are ideal donations for the children at Danbury Hospital, because they can be played with while still in their hospital bed.

At the Women’s Center, gifts of undergarments, socks, feminine products, as well as gift cards to grocery stores, retail stores, bus passes, and parking meters in downtown Danbury are appreciated.

See full list of items needed below.

Donation drop-off points in Newtown include Main Street Adventures, 125B South Main Street; Newtown Savings Bank in Sand Hill Plaza, 228 South Main Street; and Reverie Brewing Company, 57B Church Hill Road.

There is also a collection bin in Bethel at Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio & Wellness Boutique, 268 Greenwood Avenue.

In order to get the donations distributed in time for the holidays, Ms Radachowsky said, “The last day to donate to all locations is December 16 before 5 pm.”

To participate in Stockings4Smiles, Ms Radachowsky can be contacted by e-mail at stockings4smiles@gmail.com or call/text her at 203-512-4875. For more information about the organization, follow @stockings4smiles on Facebook and Instagram.

The Women’s Center is in need of:

Gift cards and gift certificates to:

• Grocery stores (Aldi, Big Y, C-Town, ShopRite, Stew Leonard’s, Stop & Shop)
• Amazon, Costco, Home Depot, HomeGoods, Michael’s, Target, Wal-Mart
• Bus passes for HART Bus
• Clothing stores (Burlington, Kohl’s, Marshall’s)
• Prepaid VISA, phone cards, gas cards
• Movie theaters
• Hair salons
• Pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)
• Cards of parking meters in downtown Danbury
• Carpet cleaning services

Non-perishable foods (packages must be sealed and not expired):

• Coffee and sugar
• Individual sack packs (granola bars, Rice Krispies Treats, Fruit Roll-Ups, mini chocolate bars, wrapped hard candy)
• Juice boxes and canned juices
• Macaroni and cheese
• Pasta and sauce
• Peanut butter, jelly, pudding, fruit snack cups
• Soups and stews
• Tuna fish and mayo
• Canned vegetables
• Cereal, pancake mix, syrup
• Cases of water

Danbury Hospital is in need of new:

• Activity kits, coloring books, single player games, puzzles
• Baby blankets, baby hats, preemie clothing, stuffed animals
• Cases of water
• Baby diapers (sizes 2, 3, 4, and 5), wipes
• Batteries (AA, D, and 9V)
• Cleaning supplies (dish soap, laundry detergent, sponges, Lysol, hand soap)
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, plates)
• Women and children’s clothing (especially plus-size)
• Socks in all sizes
• Toiletries, sanitary products
• Towels, twin sheets (fitted only, no flannel), pillows, blankets
• Garbage bags
• Light bulbs
• Plastic hangers
• Fabric storage bin cubes
• Pots and pans, storage containers, baking pans and sheets, kitchen utensils, silverware
• Undergarments (all sizes)