As the calendar flips from fall to winter, children will begin their next holiday focus... CHRISTMAS!

The cold air will bring with it lots of excitement combined with the hustle and bustle only the holidays can bring. While most children will have their focus toward the north, compiling big lists as the calendar gets smaller; some seniors have different thoughts about the cold weather. For many, frigid temperatures mean less about hustle and bustle, and more about staying inside with decreased opportunity to care for themselves. This is where a group of third graders and some special seniors will come in handy!

Kathy Oxley's 3rd grade class from Middle Tennessee Christian School will learn the true meaning of Christmas by filling stockings, not with iPods and candy, but with toothpaste, soap, and Kleenex. Residents from Assisted Living at AdamsPlace will teach the young elves that a senior's Christmas list looks more like a grocery list.

"Many times it is hard for older people to go out in the cold and get the basic things we take for granted," says Ann Clark of AdamsPlace. "These stockings help fill a great need."

The Salvation Army senior stocking program has been in place for thirteen years. The goal of the program is to distribute 1000 filled stockings to seniors in need throughout Rutherford County.

One of the greatest challenges facing seniors today is transportation. "When you are no longer able to drive, it becomes difficult to go shopping when you need something," says Melinda Bacurin, Resident Liaison in Assisted Living at AdamsPlace. "It is difficult to depend on others to help you. Balancing schedules is complicated in today's busy times. These filled stockings will make the recipient have one less trip out in the cold weather."

The residents of AdamsPlace along with Ms. Oxley's class will fill 100 stockings before the assembly line stops production. "These stockings are full of good stuff," says a member of the third grade class. "I hope it helps them have a merry Christmas."

If you or your organization would like to help local seniors in need by filling a stocking, please stop by The Salvation Army at 615-895-7071. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00am to 12:00 noon.