Local Food Pantry Fills 400 Stockings With Holiday Gifts

AURORA, IL — Spreading Christmas cheer early, Santa and volunteers at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry distributed 400 stockings filled with goodies to families Wednesday.

During a drive-through distribution that lasted from 10 a.m. to noon, stockings stuffed with a variety of items — including candy, toys, cards, socks and advent calendars — were gifted to families, who each received two stockings. Registration was required ahead of the event, and it sold out before the day arrived.

Aldi was one of the donors that made the stocking distribution possible. On Facebook Live before the event, the pantry's marketing manager Alyssa Edwards said the company donated hundreds of stuffed animals, which can be seen in the video filling a large cardboard box.

Volunteers who helped at the event included Aurora resident Jeff Beallis, who portrayed Santa, and members of the St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Aurora.