The St. Augustine Stocking Elves: Spreading Holiday Joy, One Stocking at a Time

The holidays in St. Augustine have a special kind of magic, the lights downtown, families gathering at the beach, and a community that truly looks out for one another. Among the many local traditions we look forward to each year, one of our absolute favorites is supporting The St. Augustine Stocking Elves, a volunteer-driven organization that embodies the spirit of giving in our town.

How It All Began

The Stocking Elves  was founded right here in St. Augustine by Libby and Kyle Morin, our good friends, neighbors and business partners at St. Augustine Beach Villas. They were inspired by family traditions that began years ago in their hometown back in New Hampshire. They brought The Stocking Elves to St. Augustine in 2022 with a mission to provide full, high-quality stockings to kids and teens in need throughout St. Johns County and beyond. What started as a small act of kindness has grown into a community-wide movement, one that has delivered over 250 thoughtfully filled stockings in past holiday seasons and is this year hoping to deliver 450 to local children, teens, and moms.

How It Works

The organization is 100% donation-based, fueled by the generosity of friends, families, and local businesses. Each year, donations come in the form of both monetary gifts and items from their Amazon Wish List, which help fill stockings with everything from toiletries and warm socks to toys and treats. Once collected, the stockings are stuffed by local families and then distributed through partner organizations including the United Way, Betty Griffin Center, Safe Families of Northeast Florida, Seamark Ranch, St Johns County School District A.S.S.I.S.T Program and others—ensuring they reach families who need them most.

Passing on the Spirit of Giving

One of the most special parts of the Stocking Elves tradition is the annual Stocking Stuffing Event, it's led by kids so that the next generation can learn firsthand the joy and meaning of giving back.

Why This Cause Means So Much to Us

We’re so proud to help support The Stocking Elves for the third year in a row. We are so thankful Kyle and Libby have brought such a thoughtful and impactful giving tradition to our community. Watching how this small idea has grown with the help of local businesses, friends, and families has been incredibly inspiring. For us, this is one of our favorite ways to give back each year. It’s hands-on, it’s heartfelt, and it’s proof of how much good can happen when a community comes together.

How You Can Give Back

If you’d like to get involved or donate this season, there are several easy ways to help spread the holiday spirit:

1. Donate directly to The Stocking Elves Visit the official site at www.stockingelves.org to make a donation or purchase through their Amazon Wish List. Every contribution helps provide a full stocking to a child, teen, or mom in need.

2. Attend the Hennessy Fitness Donation-Based Workout – November 1 at 9:00 a.m. Join a community fitness class at Hennessy Fitness and support The Stocking Elves while breaking a sweat for a good cause. 100% of donations go directly to helping fill stockings. More details: @staugustinestockingelves

3. Shop for a Cause at “Dashing Through the Store” – November 7–8 at Declaration Boutique Kick off the holiday season with treats, sips, swag, and shopping at Declaration Boutique. A portion of all ticket sales benefits The Stocking Elves. It’s a fun and festive way to shop local and give back.Buy tickets: declarationandco.myshopify.com

Follow @staugustinestockingelves for updates, local events and more ways to help!