Britney Rhodes was recently named a Local Hero by the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. She founded Hatcher’s Stocking, a nonprofit that brings comfort, hope and healing to vulnerable children throughout the community.
Tell us about Hatcher’s Stocking, how and when it began, what it does, how it accomplishes its mission.
What started with an empty stocking and a broken heart, has turned into a legacy of hope and healing.
Hatcher James Rhodes, our first little boy, was stillborn on Nov. 28, 2012, leaving just a tiny footprint and an empty stocking behind. As I mourned the idea of never having the opportunity to fill his stocking, at Christmas, God birthed the idea to fill it for others who need hope and encouragement.
The mission of Hatcher’s Stocking is to provide gifts that meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children that are suffering, enduring or overcoming significant obstacles. We believe that the right toys can be used as tools to help children process their emotions. To steward finances and reach more children, we work directly with manufacturing companies to provide quality, therapeutic items at wholesale or discounted prices.
Do you have a title within the nonprofit? Do you have a staff?
I am the founder but feel incredibly blessed to lead as a passionate volunteer. There is no current staff, but we have some of the most servant-hearted people that serve alongside us.
If readers are inspired to help in some way, do you accept donations or help from volunteers?
Donations are a huge help as we can save more money when we buy in bulk from our partnering companies. We have a big event at the Community First Igloo, where we invite our community to learn about nonprofits we provide gifts for, help us stuff stockings, ice skate and enjoy a nice meal. We have many opportunities for families, groups, clubs and teams to serve together to help bring this event to life.
How can people learn more?
You can learn more about us through our website, hatchersstocking.org, or send me an email britney@hatchersstocking.org and see how we can work together.
Tell us a little bit about your background. For instance, your education or career.
I graduated from Providence High School in 2002 and went on to earn my degree in special education from the University of North Florida. Near the end of my college career, I had started volunteering for a nonprofit called TRU-IMPACT that taught leadership and character in our inner-city schools and other at-risk programs.
Upon graduation, I felt God calling me to pursue this opportunity full-time and eventually made this my full-time job. It was under the heart and leadership of Georgia Park that I fell in love with the children of our community and was able to witness the heart of Christ for His children.
Hatcher’s Stocking has brought me back to a place of loving and serving the same children He has always loved.
What was your reaction to being selected as a Local Hero?
It is incredibly humbling to receive any type of recognition for stepping into the unknown and just finding ways to love and serve others. I tend to shy away from too much attention, but I have learned that I have the greatest opportunity to show up for the kids who often have no one to show up for them. To advocate for joy. To educate our community of nonprofits impacting our local youth. And to bring our community together through the power of play.
One of my favorite quotes is “You don’t stop playing because you get old; you get old because you stop playing.” Shaw.
Let’s play more together!
What do you like best about living in this area?
I love how family-oriented our area is. We love the weather and being able to explore in and out of the water. It has been a great area for us to raise our children, and we are very grateful to be a part of such a loving, generous community.
