Merry Christmas
Over the years, she has made and donated thousands
of stockings for her kids.
She started modestly over two decades ago.
In 1982 she gave her first Stockings for Kids to the Salvation Army and needy children of Brevard County.
There were about 35 stockings. It was the start of a long, satisfying career for the Christmas Stocking Lady.
She designed and made the stockings. Members of her church helped by
decorating the stockings.
Over the years she began buying at after Christmas sales in order to meet her goal to give stockings to more and more needy children.
She watches for sales and discounted merchandize year round. Stocking stuffers, books, dolls, toys and stuffed animals. She buys and stores them at her home. Almost all of the items are new.
December! It's Christmas time again. It's time to fill the stockings.
Books, large stuffed animals or baskets of art supplies are included with each Christmas Stocking. Just who is this generous person, humanitarian, good Samaritan, fairy godmother, angel? She is Eleanor Redding. A long time resident of Melbourne Beach. You may have seen her biking along River Road, Ocean Avenue, Pine Street and South along the Oak Street bike path. 
Eleanor refers to the children as "her kids". She said, "I love them all. They need people to care about them and I definitely do." Eleanor said she is getting tired, she is getting older and slower. She welcomes help with her work. She is hoping someone will take over the reigns and become the next Christmas Stocking Lady... Are you the one?
She said, "Each year it grew more and more. I have friends who donate things to me and to my church. St. Sebastian's by-the-sea Episcopal Church. That really helps too!"
She said, " They don't have to start off with so much. I started off small and it doesn't matter how much. Every little bit counts!"
Happy New Year 
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