Hundreds of stockings made by volunteers for Project Secret Santa

Project Secret Santa launched its second annual initiative on Saturday, September 27, with a 'Big Community Sew' at Weeke Community Centre, seeing volunteers crafting for a cause.

Georgina Abbott, 48, Founder of Project Secret Santa, said: "Our talented volunteers made 122 stockings in just a few hours, which is a fantastic start towards our goal. 

"We are now hoping to encourage anyone who has access to a sewing machine to join us and sew some stockings or sacks at home."

At the Big Community Sew, fabrics and refreshments were provided and volunteers of all ages and abilities bought their sewing machine with the aim to give vulnerable children the Christmas they deserve.

Georgina Abbott, with the newly made Project Secret Santa stockings(Image: Georgina Abbott)

This year, the project leaders are calling out to locals to get involved with making and providing as many 40cm x 45cm rectangular stockings, which will be filled with various items like clothes, books, sweets and toys.

Hampshire children’s services will be distributing the stockings to some of the most vulnerable children across the county, who would otherwise go without.  

They will also go to children who find themselves going into foster care, struggling care leavers with young families and local refuges for parents and children fleeing domestic violence.  

There is an option to purchase items from the project's Amazon wishlist via Project Secret Santa's website, for those that can't make it to a drop off point.

Gift donations can be taken to a drop-off location also listed on their website or collection can be arranged.

More posts, event flyers, and publicity from local shops will appear over the coming weeks as the project gears up for the festive season.

For details, email hello@projectsecretsanta.co.uk or visit projectsecretsanta.co.uk/pages/events.