About Us

A community-powered nonprofit making sure every St. Johns County child has the essentials to learn and grow. What started as neighbors helping neighbors in 2009 has grown into a movement ensuring no child goes without the basics that all kids deserve.

The Need In Our Community

In St. Johns County, nearly 500 students are identified as homeless, and thousands more live in poverty. Too often, these kids attend school hungry, without proper shoes, or in clothing that no longer fits. From Ponte Vedra Beach to Nocatee, Julington Creek to Fruit Cove, St. Augustine to Hastings, thousands of our youngest neighbors have basic, unmet needs. But together, as a community, we have the power to change it.

How We Started

HUGS St. Johns began in 2009 with a simple idea and a circle of moms who cared deeply about local kids. While volunteering in Title I schools, we saw first-hand what poverty looked like — hungry bellies, shoes that didn’t fit, and missing school supplies. At first, we stepped in where we could: a jacket for one student, canned food for a family, and shoes for a first-grade boy. Very quickly, it became clear that these were not isolated needs. Families across St. Johns County were struggling.

What started as neighbors helping neighbors grew into HUGS St. Johns—a community-based effort that formally became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017.

Our Mission

HUGS St. Johns is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in St. Johns County, Florida.

Our mission is:

Raise funds, organize in-kind donations, and provide assistance to children in crisis situations.

Raise awareness throughout the County about the effects of poverty among children right here in our own community.

Work closely with school counselors and partner nonprofit agencies to discreetly identify needs.

Organize St. Johns County residents, businesses and civic organizations to work together to provide assistance to our youngest neighbors.

Partnerships

Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with St. Johns County School District counselors and social workers, who connect us directly with children in need. Our reach has also grown through collaborations with local nonprofits, and together, we ensure children get essentials quickly and with dignity.

Community Support

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. From families and family foundations to organizations like the United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties, the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, Winn-Dixie, TOTE, Dunkin’, HungerFight, and so many more, we are proud to stand alongside a community that believes every child deserves the basics to grow and thrive.