Normally around this time of year, Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk’s phone is ringing off the hook for social engagements related to the Stocking Full of Love program.
In operation since 1986, the nonprofit outreach operated by the sheriff’s office provides toys for needy families in the area. The Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love program, founded in 1989, does the same for families in Walker County.
While the need for support persists this year, many of the typical opportunities for fundraisers and toy drives have not happened due to the pandemic. The volunteer groups rely heavily on social clubs, schools, civic groups and churches for financial and toy donations, which often coincide with holiday gatherings.
“Usually, the first few weeks of December our calendars are packed with events we’re going to,” Sisk said of himself and Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson. “But my calendar is not that full this year because a lot of those things aren’t going on.”
Q for Kids, a new event held in partnership with Walker’s Stocking Full of Love, helped to fill the gap. The barbecue sale in late November netted each nonprofit roughly $2,000, according to Sisk.