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SERRV INTERNATIONAL

CWU of Erie maintains and inventory of articles from A Greater Gift, a program of SERVV INTERNATIONAL, which is a nonprofit alternative trade and development organization. This program markets fairly traded handicrafts and foods from 35 low-income countries of the world. Purchases help artisans maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families. These are available at the celebrations or for display at a local church function. See something at www.agreatergift.org that you would like? Contact Kathy Leemhuis, 833-8872 to see if it can be included in the next CWU order.

Warren Christmas Stocking Project

Church Women United (CWU) is a national, ecumenical Christian women’s organization that focuses on Bible study, social action, and Christian celebration. CWU represents over 25 million Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women. The Erie Unit of Church Women United began on February 26, 1910 as the Women’s Missionary Federation and later it became Church Women United. Of the many social action projects the Erie unit of CWU holds, the Christmas Stocking Project is one of the most well-known. 

For over three decades, the Erie Unit of Church Women United has organized a Christmas Stocking Project to bring the joy and love of Christmas to patients of Warren State Hospital in Warren, Pennsylvania. Warren State Hospital is a residential psychiatric hospital that cares for and provides safe, structured environments for people who have serious mental illness. In the early 1970's a new kitchen was needed at the hospital, and four CWU units from the state of Pennsylvania responded to this need. As a result of this project, a new preparation and eating area was given to the patients that continues to enhance lives and provide opportunities to learn and practice new skills. The success of the kitchen project lead to an opportunity for the Pennsylvania units of CWU to continue their friendship with the patients at Christmas with the project that has become very familiar to people involved with CWU or with community service projects - the Christmas Stocking Project.

For over thirty years, the Erie unit of CWU has been helped by dedicated member churches, groups, and individuals who make more than 100 Christmas stockings filled with toiletries, treats, and activities to distribute to the lonely and often forgotten patients at Warren State Hospital. Project participants not only showcase their wonderful talents by the beautiful stockings they design but they also generously donate their time and resources to fill the stockings. The project provides patients with important opportunities for socialization and recreation and it creates an important sense of connection with others. These stockings and the goodwill and friendship they symbolize bring the true meaning of Christmas, the joy of the birth of The Savior Jesus Christ's birth, to the patients of Warren State Hospital! 

Participating groups fill stockings with items particularly designated for a male or female and attach a CWU tag with the name of the group filling the stocking. The stockings are 5½” x 11". The following items are examples of some of the things that patients often need and/or enjoy: Playing Cards, Toothpaste (Travel Size), Toothbrush, Hand Lotion (1.5-2.5 oz.),Lip Balm, Stretch Gloves, Small Notepad, Pen, Hair Brush, Pocket Pack Tissues, Shampoo/Conditioner, socks, books,Comb (no pointed end/"rat tails"), puzzle books, makeup, phone cards, stick deodorant, art books/crayons, markers, etc., costume jewelry, writing paper/envelopes, AA batteries, knit hats, soap/soap dishes, and slippers.

Once the stockings are finished, Mary Ellen will pick up the stockings and arrange for them to be transported to Warren State Hospital and, then, given to the patients. If you are interested in participating in the Christmas Stocking Project, please email Mary Ellen; at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call: 814-504-1838. On behalf of the Erie unit of CWU and our friends at Warren Hospital, thank you for your time, resources and friendship.

Just as the bright light guided the wise men to The Christ Child, your participation in the Christmas Stocking Project reflects the Light of Christ and His birth to our brothers and sisters at Warren State Hospital.  Thank you for another year of success!       ~Mary Ellen Bujnoski