Stephanie's Stockings is charitable project that was started this year by the “Sew Blessed Ministries” of the New Hope Baptist Church in honor of Stephanie Lee, a member of the Gateway Family, that passed away December 11th, 2017.
Stephanie’s wish was to spread love and joy to as many children as possible, and take care of all God’s Children. Stephanie's Stockings mission is to gather toys, clothes, and monetary donations to fill as many stockings possible to deliver to children in need during the holidays.
With the help of our Administrative Assistant in Shawnee, Connie McKenzie, and the Gateway team, we were able to fill 200 stockings and 48 back packs this year. These items were donated to Children at St. Anthony's Hospital in Shawnee, One Safe Place and The Hope House.
Stephanie's daughter, Annabelle, helped deliver the stockings and toys to each organization with her Grandma. Her face lit up with a infectious smile, while helping other children and realizing how many people loved and adored her mom. Christmas was Stephanie’s favorite time of year. She loved the decorations, the music, the corny Hallmark movies, and spreading the love with her church family. But most of all, she loved seeing children light up when she got them the perfect present.
Stephanie joined the Gateway family in August of 2010 as the Senior Accounting Specialist. Gateway team member, Connie M., shared her story and a few wonderful qualities and memories about Stephanie:
"My relationship with Stephanie Branson Lee started out as a co-worker. Stephanie took her job very serious and was good at what she did. She loved working here and it showed in everything she did. She worked well with co-workers and was a good example to others that she trained. She was someone who touched the lives of many in so many ways. She always took time to find out what your interest were, your likes and dislikes. Stephanie had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that would go straight to the core of your soul and lift you up on a bad day. Her love and concern for her co-workers became stronger as time passed.
The picture of Stephanie in the Elf hat was sent out while she was shopping and decided we needed a reminder of the season. Stephanie loved Christmas and she truly became the spirit of Christmas right before my eyes. This is a project I would like to see us continue in years to come. To keep Stephanie’s memory alive and her wish to see a smile on every child’s face."
This Christmas was near and dear to the loved ones of Stephanie Lee and the hearts of the Gateway Team. We will always remember Stephanie for the incredible woman that she was. Gateway is thankful to be able to participate in supporting the memory of Stephanie through Stephanie's Stockings.
