The Grinch’s heart isn’t the only thing that is seeing a massive increase this time of year. The 2021 “Stockings for Soldiers” outreach, a student project at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, far surpassed its inaugural 2016 effort. Chris English, for the Bucks County Herald, tallied the four-digit percentage increase in gift production.

When the initiative to provide gifts to active military began six years ago, the students proudly packed 25 stockings with hygiene items, candy, and small puzzles.

Last year, they stepped up production and provided 1,400 gifts.

This year’s efforts will brighten the holidays of 2,000 servicemen and -women.

That’s a 7,900 percent increase in output. Santa’s elves themselves could hardly do better.

“We appreciate the men and women not here on the holidays, and we show that appreciation for serving us,” fifth-grader Michael Coyne said.

The local community supplied many of the items being tucked into festive stockings. Gifts, however, also came from across the country, as the message on the project spread from the school’s Facebook page.

“It’s really great to see all the students participate,” said event coordinator Shannon Hamilton. “It’s really meaningful for them.”

More on this charitable and patriotic Bucks County Intermediate Unit project is at the Bucks County Herald.