For over 10 years Hope Gough and her awesome team of elves show up to A Kid’s Place on a Christmas mission. That mission is to fill stockings and make it special so each child knows that it was filled in love. Hope is very passionate, organized, and works hard to give each child what they ask for even if that means running out to the store to purchase gummy candies or special lip gloss. We are so grateful to have her and honored to feature her in this interview. Please take a moment to read more about the amazing Hope Gough. 

1. How did you first become involved with A Kid’s Place? I did decor with my friend Jami Fencel for several years for the Gala’s. Then I got a newsletter in the mail and it talked about Christmas and I started to think about my kid’s stockings and how they had their names on them and that these kids didn’t have a stocking with their name on them or maybe anything else with their name on it. It bothered me a lot which is silly because it is just a stocking however year after year you see it and it is yours and it gives you a sense of belonging. So I was determined that every child there would have a stocking with their name on it. Myself and a bunch of friends got together to make tags for the stockings so that they would know it was made for them – I still do this each year and I enjoy it very much. I had a sense of panic when I first saw the giant stockings at a kids place and thought we would never fill them but we do every time. It has become one of my very favorite moments of the year. Seeing all the stockings done lined up in the hallway fills my heart with joy – it is what Christmas is all about; showing God’s love to others for no reason.
2. How long have you volunteered stuffing stocking for the kids? I really don’t remember – 10 years or more?
3. What part of your involvement has meant the most to you? Knowing that what I am doing takes some of the pressure off the staff who is doing so much daily to make a difference in these kids lives.
4. What is your favorite Christmas movie? Charlie Brown Christmas
5. Words of advice for our children? Know that you were purposely made and are loved.
6. Who inspires you? People who make thier passion their life’s work
7. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you want to meet? I recently read Matthew McConaughey’s book and I think he would be a very interesting dinner companion
8. What are you most passionate about? Making a difference in others lives in small or big ways. I try to help someone each day.
9. Proudest Moment? Recently I was at a ribbon cuting for a Habitat House I worked on. It was one of the most amazing moments and I was very proud to be a part of it. I also took two boys to college this year and while it was hard to drive away I am very proud of them for learning to do things on their own and figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
10. What is your favorite family tradition? Hot coco and “It’s a Wonderful Life” after Christmas Eve service at church