Stocking up for Christmas: A woman's project for the troops

Marine mom Collene Collins is playing Santa this year to 37 Marines stationed in Iraq.

Collins, a Rockland resident, said it would not be enough to send Christmas cheer exclusively to her son, 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Kyle Collins. Instead, she solicited the assistance of families, friends and businesses to provide Christmas stockings to Rockland and Abington residents who are deployed in Iraq.

There were more than 50 stockings made.

"I decided to make Christmas better for them, we've adopted his whole unit and have sent things out," she said. "I had sent out letters to businesses looking for donations and the first person who responded to me was Judy Cirignano. Not knowing who I was, she said 'I'd really like to help.'"

Cirignano, who owns The Stitchery embroidery business located at 375 Union St. in Rockland, offered to use her machines to embroider the Marine's names on the stockings.