Red Stocking Fund

What we do:
Since 1938 we have been dedicated to providing Island children in need with something to wear and something to play with during the holidays. And it all started with six stockings... The Red Stocking Fund was started when Addie Crist, a Vineyard Haven resident, and a few friends, knitted six actual red stockings. These stockings were then filled with “something to eat, something to wear, and something to play with,” and distributed to needy children on Martha’s Vineyard at Christmas. In subsequent years, the program grew and was later administered by school nurses in the Island schools. In 1986, we became incorporated as The Red Stocking Fund, Inc. with our first official Board of Directors. Many of our board members have been active in the organization for many years.

The mission of The Red Stocking Fund is to provide warm winter clothing and other necessities to children who live full time on the Vineyard during Christmas/Holiday season whose families are in need. We serve children from birth through the 8th grade.

Where and When:
For one week every year we are at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Vineyard Haven, where with our band of elves we transform the basement into Santa’s Workshop. The other 51 weeks of the year we work together from our homes. Co-Chairs Susie Wallo and Sandy Joyce can be reached at [email protected].

Our Goal:
Our goal every year is to make the magic happen by providing warm winter clothing, a book, and a puzzle. Any other presents the children receive are donations from generous folks both near and far.