Volunteers Pack 2,000 christmas stockings for troops in Operation Quiet Comfort Holiday Project

Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

66 volunteers complete packing ahead of schedule; community donors provide food, handmade stockings, and a recorded concert from Triton Elementary

A community-wide effort will bring holiday cheer to troops serving overseas, as volunteers packed 2,000 Christmas stockings during the 2026 Operation Quiet Comfort Holiday Project on October 31st.

The Holiday Packing Party was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but volunteers began arriving by 9 a.m., eager to help. Jan Houin, Volunteer Shipping Coordinator, said, “By the best count, 66 volunteers came through the doors — and they finished packing all 2,000 stockings before the 3 p.m. deadline, even with a lunch break.”

Generous donations from local businesses and volunteers fueled the packing party. Pizza Hut supplied pizzas, Subway donated party platters, Mission BBQ brought down potato chips, Coca-Cola supplied pop, Culligan donated bottled water, Tom Keb and Frank Gardner made chili, and Bonnie Broeker made potato soup.

A variety of cakes and cookies were provided by several volunteers.

Once again, the Friendship Quilters made hundreds of beautiful Christmas stockings in a variety of fun Christmas patterns for the project. Monica and Maggie, traveling from Illinois, also contributed handmade stockings.

The Triton Elementary Shining Stars Choir recorded a Christmas concert for the troops. Every Christmas stocking includes a note with a QR code linking to the concert — an idea from music teacher Leah Alderfer that brings a personal, musical touch to each package sent overseas.

Organizers extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the 2026 Operation Quiet Comfort Holiday Project — from the volunteers who packed stockings to the businesses that donated food to the quilters and musicians who added their craft and creativity.