$20 Lady: Let's sock it to Christmas in style

Ive had the opportunity to experience low-income living first-hand. Even in my darkest times, though, Ive always been fortunate enough to have family and a home.

Maybe thats why, at Christmas, I always try to concentrate on not just typical charities, but also make an effort to contribute to a local charity that helps adults who may not have family and a home.

The Stuff-a-Sock campaign distributes donated gifts to homeless adults, elderly shut-ins, single parentsand at-risk individuals living with mental illness.

This year theyve received requests for at least 1,300 "socks."

Stuffing a sock is easy. They provide a list on their website of essential basics and suggested extras.

The kids and I discussed this. It started with my daughter askingwhy Santa doesnt give me a stocking.

I told her Santa concentrates on children,and there are enough of them,but that sometimes adults,in the spirit of Christmas, make stockings for each other like my parents did for me one year.

We discussed what kinds of things adults would want in their stockings.

"Coffee!"my eldest son said.

"Candy!"my youngest said.

I told them the list of things wed be stuffing in a sock. The United Way suggests personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, soapand feminine hygiene products. They also suggest small extras,like chocolate and coffee.

Let's start with some socks

When it was time to stuff a sock, first I had to find a nice pair of warm socks. I picked up a set of two pairs at Sobeys for $1.99.

Then I took a look in my own cupboards for some of the things on the essentials list. I often pick up extras of toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc., when its on sale.

I also have a small box of "extras"in which I keep small gift-type items Ive received or bought.

Between my stock of saleitems and my gift box,I came up with a toothbrush and cover, toothpaste, floss, soap, shower gel, foot lotion, hand lotion, a pretty scarf, a Christmas book and decoration, and nail polish.

With my list in hand and the items I had already scratched off, I then took a peek around ShoppersDrug Mart as I was picking up some items for my own family.

There I bought a nice deodorant for $2.99, a large bottle of moisturiser for $3.99 and a gigantic chocolate bar for $2.99. All items were on sale and while I knew some of these might be cheaper at the dollar store,I wanted to make sure I got quality items.

Finishing my list

Then I hit the dollar store to finish my list. I picked up good lip balm for $1.25, dry shampoo for $2.00 and a hairbrush for $1.25, a pack of sanitary pads for $1, handwarmers for $1, and an instant coffee mocha mix for $1.

All told, I spent $20.44,taxes in.

I think we can forgive my 44-cent overage,as it was for a good cause.

The United Way is accepting sock donations (or donations of the basic items or monetary donations) until 4:30 p.m.today, Dec. 3.

If you want to donate but cant get it there in time, contact them by email:info@nl.unitedway.ca.