A Christmas stocking can evoke a variety of childhood memories.

For some, it will spark past images of a long ago holiday season and the excitement of finding a stocking hanging on the fireplace mantel.

Instant joy was felt when discoveries were made of small toys, fruit, candy and perhaps an unexpected surprise.

Others remember a different, less happy time when parents did not hang a stocking. There were few gifts and no excitement.

It was just another long day when hopes of at least getting a small toy did not materialize. There was nothing to remember except sadness.

Today, a group of people at Victory Baptist Church is busy helping create happy memories. They have presented “Stockings of Love” to children for the past six years.

The project was initiated through an Awana program with participants collecting small toys for kids. At that time, an estimated 50 stockings were filled. Last year, the holidays were made brighter for 350 and plans are to increase this number in 2012.

Tressie Wilson, organizer, said the entire church is involved in helping others during the Christmas season, including a bazaar. This year, the event was held on Saturday, Nov. 17.

About 40 vendors responded and a percentage of their profit went into helping Victory Church meet the Stockings of Love goal of helping local families.

Plans are to serve Christmas dinner to about 200 people at 12 o’clock Saturday, Dec. 8. The menu will consist of chicken and dressing with vegetables. Participants will be seated and volunteers will dish up the food.

Children, under age 18, will receive a stocking to help create happy memories of this holiday season, according to Wilson.