At Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, the holidays are a time of warmth, generosity, and community spirit. One cherished tradition that residents eagerly look forward to each year is the arrival of holiday bags and stockings. These thoughtful gifts, made possible by the Snowflake Quilters and coordinated by dedicated supporters like Barb Wold, embody the heart and soul of Stepping Stone’s mission: to provide not just shelter, but dignity, hope, and joy.

A Tradition Born of Generosity

The tradition of holiday bags began years ago with a simple idea: to bring a bit of holiday cheer to residents experiencing homelessness. Barb, a long-time supporter and former board member of Stepping Stone, was inspired by her love of quilting and her deep connection to the organization. Sorting through her fabric collection one day, she decided to use her surplus Christmas fabric to make stockings.

What started as a personal project quickly grew into a community effort. Barb rallied friends and fellow members of the Snowflake Quilters, a group of about 50 passionate quilters based in Fridley, to help create festive stockings for Stepping Stone residents. Over the years, as needs evolved, the group transitioned to making reusable Santa bags filled with thoughtful gifts. Today, this tradition continues to spread joy to residents during the holiday season.

Snowflake Quilters: A Community of Service

The Snowflake Quilters have been instrumental in sustaining the holiday bags tradition. This dedicated group meets monthly to work on service projects for organizations like Stepping Stone, creating quilts, holiday bags, and also supplying pillow cases to each resident as they enter the shelter so they can store personnel belongings. With 50 members contributing their time and talent, the quilters ensure that every resident at Stepping Stone receives a special holiday gift.

The Santa bags, like the stockings before them, are filled with items that are both practical and heartwarming. From winter essentials like hats and gloves to personal care items and small treats, each bag is carefully designed to brighten the recipient’s holiday season.

For Barb, this tradition is about more than just the gifts. “It’s nice for them to have something to unwrap, not just a bunch of stuff,” she explains. The act of unwrapping gifts brings a sense of normalcy and joy, reminding residents that they are valued and cared for.

A Champion for Stepping Stone

Barb’s connection to Stepping Stone goes far beyond the holiday bags. Her involvement began when Stepping Stone was still a modest shelter operating out of a fourplex on Ferry Street. As a housing programs coordinator for Anoka County, Barb worked tirelessly to address homelessness in the community. She was instrumental in helping Stepping Stone grow into the organization it is today, from its early days to its expansion into the Cronin Building.

Even after stepping down from her official roles, she has remained deeply involved, helping to hire executive directors, advocating for the shelter, and continuing traditions like the holiday bags. Her unwavering support and passion for Stepping Stone are an inspiration to everyone involved.

More Than a Shelter

Stepping Stone Emergency Housing has always been more than just a shelter. From its beginnings, it has aimed to provide residents with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives. The holiday bags are a perfect example of this mission in action. They are not merely gifts but symbols of the care, compassion, and community that define Stepping Stone.

The organization has earned a stellar reputation for its innovative approach to addressing homelessness. Beyond providing a safe place to stay, Stepping Stone helps residents find stability and rejoin the community as active participants. Holiday traditions like the Santa bags reinforce this sense of belonging, creating moments of joy and connection during what can be a challenging time of year.

The Spirit of Giving

The holiday bags are a labor of love, reflecting the generosity of everyone involved—from the Snowflake Quilters who sew the bags to the donors who contribute items to fill them. For residents, receiving a beautifully crafted bag is a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their journey. It’s a moment of hope and celebration, a chance to feel seen and valued.

Barb and the Snowflake Quilters are determined to keep this tradition alive, ensuring that every resident experiences the magic of the holiday season. Their efforts exemplify the best of what Stepping Stone represents: a community coming together to make a difference.

Looking Ahead

As the tradition of holiday bags and stockings continues, Stepping Stone Emergency Housing remains committed to providing not just shelter, but also a sense of hope and belonging. The dedication of supporters like the Snowflake Quilters ensures that residents feel the warmth of the season, no matter their circumstances.