Linda Gilley's Gifts of Love

It was 16 years ago when Linda Gilley found refuge at NextStep’s shelter. “My daughter and I were going through such an awful time. It was unbelievable how patient NextStep staff were with us. Christmas that year was so sad, especially for my daughter who had been uprooted from our home,” Linda said. “NextStep made our Christmas by giving us gifts and lifting our spirits.”

Over the years to follow, Linda wanted to do something to help other victims of domestic violence at Christmastime, just as she and her daughter had been helped. She began sewing stockings with a pattern she drew herself and “a mountain” of fabric that her mother had given her. “I especially wanted to make something for the kids, something happy that would give a warm feeling to their insides. That’s why I chose to make stockings,“ she said. “I still use that paper bag pattern I drew to this day.”

For 2021, a wonderful addition was added for the stockings. “I like to post on Facebook about things I’m passionate about. I guess I’m pretty outspoken, especially on political issues,” she said. “My son commented that I’m very negative and radical. He asked me if I ever had anything positive to say.” Linda thought about it and decided to mention the stockings that she makes and gives to a domestic violence shelter. “I didn’t even say which shelter it was,” she laughed. “I posted photos of my stockings and all of a sudden friends started sending me money to fill them!” Between Linda’s personal donation, combined with her friends’ donations, the stockings she made this year came with $250 !

Thanks to Linda’s generous spirit and her gratitude for how NextStep once brought happiness to a very sad Christmas, many children will receive something to brighten their holidays!