MONROE - You know the season of giving is in full swing when Monroe youths begin to take part in the Monroe Woman's Club Christmas Stocking project. Whether it's gift-wrapping, fundraising or singing, Christmas Stocking has benefited for years from the enthusiastic work of children who can be seen all over town pitching in to make the project a success in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Since 2004, the Junior Optimists at Monroe Middle School have helped Christmas Stocking, which provides toys, clothing and vouchers for shoes and boots for children and food boxes for families in the Monroe school district, as well as cheer boxes for senior citizens.

The middle school group of about 25 students plans to help with several fundraising events this year, including a spoons card game tournament fundraiser at the MMS cafeteria Tuesday, Nov. 26; a two-day gift-wrapping event at Shopko Dec. 14 and 15; and a day of Christmas caroling on the Square and retirement centers Dec. 20.

MMS Junior Optimist advisor Gabrielle Breadon says the support students show for Christmas Stocking grows each year - and with good reason.

"The first year they come in, in the sixth grade, they all talk about what they're going to get for Christmas," Breadon said. "But by the next year, they're saying 'What can we do?'

"They're saying 'What can we give to people? What can we do for people?' And it does change without them even realizing it. They just absorb it."

Breadon said students who've left for college still talk about the experience, about "suddenly realizing there are others who may not have the advantages they do."

She said Christmas Stocking is something students who had previously participated in the project look forward to well ahead of the Christmas season. Breadon speculates that working alongside other adults, including the school's teachers and other community leaders, likely has a big impact on the young students.

"They're amazed by how people they know, teachers, others in the community, are up early in the morning to do this for others," she said. "They realize this isn't something we just do in school for our teachers or our advisors, this is something the whole community does together."

Breadon said one of the most important parts of Christmas Stocking is how it "sparks good conversations" at the club's meetings, allowing students to gain perspective on how others live. "(They ask) who needs help, why they need help or why they don't have a job. ... And it's good to talk about why people need help, and the reasons for it."

Christmas Stocking also receives help from the Key Club at Monroe High School. Members will shop for presents and bake cookies before and after Thanksgiving, using cookie dough from the school's Future Business Leaders of America.

Sarah Bleicher, Key Club advisor at MHS, said students who participate in projects like Christmas Stocking learn "organizational leadership."

"These are the kids who take charge of things," she said. "Which is a big part of future work life - the organization and the planning - and just that understanding of helping other people. Giving back when you can, however you can."

Bleicher said perhaps the most important aspect is how students who participate in Christmas Stocking "understand the difference between a 'need' and a 'want.'"

"That's an important concept for young people - that they may want a PlayStation for Christmas, but then (they're) buying clothing that these kids really need.

"Most people may have the luxury of having wants and not worrying about needs, but they become aware of the difference."