500 Beanie Babies to be distributed to needy children through 2006 Christmas Stocking Drive

Arlene Kallaur, OCA humanitarian aid director and coordinator of the Christmas Stocking Program, happily accepts donation of nearly 500 Beanie Babies. “The ‘babies’ provide a great—and early—beginning to this year’s Christmas Stocking Project.”

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — For several years, The Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Humanitarian Aid has distributed thousands of goodie-filled Christmas stockings to orphans and needy children in various parts of the world.

The 2006 drive will include the distribution of Beanie Babies, as nearly 500 of the popular stuffed animals—with tags intact—arrived at the OCA Chancery here during the first weekend of June, a gift from Mary Fox of Medina, OH.

“Mary is a friend of Jean Mehalik, a member of Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, OH, and were transported to Syosset by John and Kathy Mindala, also from Ohio,” according to Mrs. Arlene Kallaur, OCA humanitarian aid director. “The ‘babies’ will reach their final destinations in December, along with the Christmas stockings we traditionally distribute.”