MONROE — For Mary Deininger, volunteering for countless hours to lead the coordination of the Christmas Stocking Fund has simply become a part of her life. 

It’s been three decades since the late Katie Etter, who is often credited for starting the Fund, asked her to help out. But as the years have passed, it occurred to Deininger that if something were to happen to her and her husband, Dave, no one would really know the ins and outs of all that’s behind the scenes of the more than 70-year philanthropic tradition in Monroe.

Deininger thought it up, the committee discussed it, and members decided it was time to begin to pass the torch.

“I think it’s time for the younger generation to take over on this,” Deininger said.

Although the project has changed and grown immensely as the years have passed, Deininger said she’s worked to uphold the same beliefs Etter held when she started the program. 

When Deininger began, about 150 families were being served through the Fund; today, the family reach is around 350, which has steadied in recent years. 

The best thing she feels she can do now for the philanthropic event is to help train new people, and pass her knowledge and information along to ensure it continues. She said she feels good to have a group of “special people” to take over for her — knowing they will work to continue the mission in its entirety.

Deininger said she feels lucky to be able to have hand picked the people she felt would dedicate themselves. They’re people she’s had in the back of her mind for years – and are filling the role just as she envisioned.

Ann Doyle, Lynne Hendrickson and Kerri Steinmann, all of Monroe, have started training and working alongside Deininger to — slowly and steadily — take on the job. 

The new group is filled with familiar faces and deep roots to the Fund. Doyle, a cousin to Deininger, used to join her mother as she volunteered for the project; Hendrickson and Steinmann are the granddaughters of Belva Zwygart, another volunteer who was part of the project and Monroe Woman’s Club for years. Hendrickson’s great aunt was Grace Holtshopple, who worked on the project early on with Etter.

Both Doyle and Hendrickson are familiar with the Christmas Stocking Fund. Doyle used to shop with her mother and help with delivery when she was growing up. Both said they were on board when approached by Deininger.

“I knew it would be a big undertaking,” Hendrickson said. 

Steinmann, who Deininger said she talked to years ago, has a background as a social worker. When Deininger ran into her again this year, she mentioned Steinmann coming on board. Steinmann brought along her sister, Lynne, who is Deininger’s neighbor and has taken on a role using her computer-savvy skills. 

The Christmas Stocking Fund, now in its 71st year, brings together many volunteers who are often behind the scenes to help make holidays merrier for those who are struggling. Many of those volunteers have worked for decades.

As hundreds of families depend on the group in order to keep warm in the winter, have a holiday meal and even share gifts with their children, that many volunteers are behind the scenes, packing, calling, organizing and delivering.

Deininger, and Dave, have taken on much of that load. Their duties have changed through the years, as has the project. 

But letting go after 30 years of commitment and dedication hasn’t been easy. Deininger said she often reminds herself that new blood and new ideas are a positive thing for the proThe Christmas Stocking Fund is an annual effort of the Monroe Woman’s Club. The club collects money and other donations and distributes toys and vouchers for shoes, coats and boots to children in need in the Monroe school district. Families receive food boxes delivered before Christmas. 

Every year, the Christmas Stocking benefits hundreds of families. Names of families in need are offered confidentially by school officials, counselors and area churches. The effort requires a multitude of volunteers who shop for families, bake cookies and pack and deliver items. 

To donate to the Christmas Stocking Fund, send contributions to 901 16th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566. All contributions are used locally to fund the program. gram.

“I am finding it hard to let go,” Deininger said. “I have been looking at others who would be able to do a good job and represent Katie’s beliefs. I reached out to them because I think they have very special qualities.”

The Christmas Stocking Project is currently in what’s been dubbed as “crunch time” where toys are being sorted, boxes are being packed and rooms are being set up for shoppers. The hectic weeks-long period is where the most chaos is happening, and also where the most learning is going on. 

“We’re a little overwhelmed,” Hendrickson said. “It’s more involved than you think, but once you see how it works, it all makes sense.”

Over the course of the next few years, Deininger hopes to fully pass the torch of her duties to the new group and be less involved in the project she’s been a part of for so long. She said she doesn’t have a set time of when she’ll officially step back, but is ready for new ideas. 

“They are all learning so well,” Deininger said.

The next step will be to organize shoppers, and provide plenty of follow up that’s needed as more families trickle in. Coupons for winter supplies were recently mailed out to about 850 children. 

Working together to help others is what the event is all about, and Deininger said the new group is catching on quickly, bringing in new ideas. She said she feels good about leaving things in new hands.

“You still crack the whip,” Hendrickson said to Deininger with a laugh.

The group will also begin to pack food boxes Dec. 20 at Dearth Motors in Monroe to be delivered the following morning.