The holidays are a time usually spent making memories and cherishing time with loved ones, but for deployed service members, that time is spent far from home, with only memories of holidays past to warm their hearts.

To make this time a little brighter for service members, groups throughout the country are working together to send these brave men and women some holiday cheer from home in the form of holiday stockings.

“Getting something small even from a stranger, can really help change your perspective,” said former Coast Guard member Matt Karas. “The first time I got a stocking while on duty, it reminded me that there are people out there thinking of me and my crew.”

MaryElla Strelchun started one of these groups in Bend to assist the Marine Corps Family Foundation’s Operation Santa program. Strelchun first got involved making stockings for soldiers with a group in Beaverton several years ago. After moving to Bend with her husband in 2011, she decided to start a similar group here, and membership has continued to grow ever since.

The group meets once a month, usually every first Thursday.

“This year we started off the project with a Christmas in July event,” said Strelchun, explaining that they don’t just work hard — they have a good time, too. “During the three-day event, we had holiday music, a Christmas tree, and holiday snacks to help create the mood.”

Strelchun also recalls some women bringing their children, who really wanted to help do something for the service members, so they helped sew buttons onto the stockings.

Strelchun also explained that the goal of the group is to make as many stockings as possible to help ensure there will be enough for all service members. They are not the only group working toward this goal, but they know their contribution makes a difference.

“Some groups knit or crochet their stockings, but ours are made from holiday cotton fabrics,” said Strelchun, noting that the fabrics are donated to the group.

In order to increase production, they started an assembly line this year.

“One person ironed while others cut patterns. Some gals sewed the seams, while some decorated cuffs, and we had a lot of fun doing it. So far this year we have completed over 250.”

In early November each year, Strelchun takes the completed stockings, along with any donated items, to the Marine Corps Family Foundation in Salem. The foundation holds a big packing party each year to stuff all of the stockings. Volunteers and organization members fill them with fun items such as candy, hot cocoa mix and small games, as well as necessities such as phone cards and toiletries. To top it all off, each stocking is placed in a two-gallon bag, along with a larger gift item, such as a DVD or book, for the service member to enjoy.

For groups such as Strelchun’s, making the stockings has been a great way to bring community members together in a positive social environment. However, it’s also a very important way to contribute to a greater cause.

“I got involved because I feel it’s important to support our troops in any way possible,” said group member Corle Hull.

For many of the members, the reason for their involvement runs deep. Group member Jeanie Bean’s father served in the Army during World War II in Europe, her brother served in the Air Force and her husband served in the Marine Corps.

“The military and its veterans have been honored, respected and appreciated in my family my whole life,” said Bean. “I support any organization that encourages this feeling of admiration.”

Strelchun also has a strong family connection to the military. Her father served in the Marine Corps, in World War II and Korea, while her brother served in the Air Force. Strelchun remembers times when she could tell that her father and brother were lonely while away from home.

“I wanted to help bring a touch of holiday cheer into their hearts,” she said.

Making these stockings is her way of giving love and support to the men and women who are in similar situations today.

“I love thinking about helping some man or woman in uniform, some place in the world, who maybe doesn’t have a lot of family support, or who maybe doesn’t realize that there are people here who care about them and the work they are doing on our behalf,” said Bean. “If a stocking with treats can brighten their day, that brightens my day. The hours I spend putting stockings together are a small sacrifice compared to theirs.”