Little Red Stocking History

Around the turn of the last century, many home societies across the United States began using a red stocking as the symbol of need and giving during the holiday season.

In 1909, little stockings of red paper were first sent to Minnesota children “to put in two cents for each year they are old.” In 1926, the campaign was directed more toward adults, who sent money and clothing, toys and other gifts to children in the receiving home. Like a gauge of the economics of each decade, the Little Red Stockings came back filled or almost empty. In 1948, the Little Red Stocking became the society’s principal annual appeal, and it has since grown to become one of the major fundraising drives in Minnesota.

Over the years, volunteers have applied fundraising techniques such as the door-to-door approach, the use of celebrity appeal including that of actress Jane Russell and display of the stocking at the Minnesota State Fair. In the 1990s, the campaign returned to mail solicitation, and the dollars given increased steadily.

Today, the Little Red Stocking campaign reaches out to donors online. Make a gift now and tell your friends about how they can give to the Little Red Stocking. Support Children’s Home Society & Family Services and give children in our community and around the world the chance to grow up in strong, loving families.