Stockings for Joy: Walled Lake Northern senior makes a difference for kids in foster care

Ava Guntzviller is brightening the holiday season for children across Oakland County with Stockings for Joy. This year marks the seventh year the Walled Lake Northern senior sewed and stuffed stockings for children in foster care.

Stockings for Joy is a family tradition that began 21 years ago lead by her Aunt Barb. Last winter, Guntzviller took over the project for Oakland County and donated 350 stockings.

“Carrying on this family tradition means so much to me,” said Guntzviller. “I grew up watching how much love and effort went into this project.”

“Being able to assist and now leading, a vision of passing on joy with this success is truly special,” added Guntzviller. “It reminds me why this project matters which motivates me to keep it going.”

This year, with help from the Glengary Elementary Student Council and the Walled Lake Wild girls’ hockey team, Guntzviller was able to donate 500 stockings filled with wonderful surprises and gift cards for children in need.

“I honestly can’t even explain how grateful I am for Glengary Elementary and the Walled Lake Wild,” said Guntzviller. “Their support meant everything this year. We truly could not have done this without them, and seeing how excited they were to help made the whole project feel even more special.”

“Knowing we hit 500 (stockings) this year feels unreal in the best way,” added Guntzviller. “It’s just such an amazing feeling to realize how many kids in Oakland County will have a little extra joy this Christmas because of everyone who came together to help.”