Numerous people around the area responded generously to a request from Exodus Youth Services for a Christmas "stocking" stuffer program for inner-city Washingtonians. Donors were asked to fill one white athletic sock with items such as holy cards, drawing and writing instruments, personal hygiene items, toiletry articles, small toys, candy and the sock’s mate. Instead of using the usual elaborate stocking, it was replaced with the more practical sock because it is needed by recipients after emptying.

Marques Silva, executive director of Exodus for nearly two years, said they received twice as many socks as last year, a total of 1,695. Six diocesan schools; 14 congregations in the Washington metro area; and two diocesan offices, which gave 119 socks; participated.

"One of the greatest joys in passing these out was that there is not the usual tug-of-war" for holiday presents. "It was much more of a peaceful atmosphere," said Silva, whose family is members of St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax.

Exodus hosts Christmas parties in a different neighborhood annually to distribute the stockings and gifts and tell the story of the Incarnation of Christ’s birth, he said. "In getting Gospel love out, this is one of the greatest tools. The recipients are overwhelmed. They experience God’s love from people they’ve never met and who wanted the best for them."

Exodus, a Vienna-based evangelizing organization which serves the needs of Washington’s poorest citizens and provides a deliverance from their harsh lives, has been working in the metro area for more than 16 years. Founded by the now-late Rev. Logan Jackson and his wife, Mary Lyman Jackson, it is a non-profit ecumenical street ministry.

There are two extensive Christmas gifts programs, one for essentials and one for toys, said Silva. A family, recently burned out of their house, was adopted by a realty company that provided their basic needs. Children receive the donated items first, and any leftovers are given to adults. Exodus also received 150 T-shirts and 402 gifts for distribution this year.

One of the largest donations of presents came from St. John Parish in McLean, organized by Mike Thieman, leader of the newly formed young adults group there. He knew Silva from their working together at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Great Falls.

Thieman’s group, with about 30 married and single members in their 20s to 40s coordinated the parish giving tree. Deciding to highlight contributions and donations to the less fortunate through many local charities, they made approximately 300 ornament tags for the tree with needed items listed on each. Donors would then take a tag and bring back the requested gift.

Often people returned more than one item, Theiman said. For instance, one basketball was needed and six were brought back. The parish continued to receive presents beyond the due date.

"We were really facilitators for the generosity of the parish, which we helped to focus toward Exodus and others," Theiman said.

The young adult group took the name Gruppo Frassati in honor of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Their goal is to deepen their faith through charitable works and joy in God’s creation. Two other members, Fiorella Simoni and Roderick Anderson, were also instrumental in forming the group. They host talks on spirituality and theology; sponsor community events such as visiting the elderly and helping at a soup kitchen; and have outings such as boating, hiking and horseback riding.

Exodus has regular weekly programs in the Washington neighborhoods of Adams Morgan, Berry Farms, Carver Terrace, Langston Terrace and Potomac Gardens. Almost all of the activities are held during the day. During Exodus’ existence, operating on a tight budget, more than than 3,700 volunteers have served more than 25,000 people.

In addition to the Christmas giving program, Exodus also hosts one for Easter and Thanksgiving, which welcomes donations and volunteers. Exodus can be contacted at 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 220, Vienna, Va. 22182, phone 703/748-2356 or go to www.exodusyouth.org.