ABOUT

CARING WITH A PURPOSE

Since 1927, the Empty Stocking Fund has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s philanthropic community, supporting to children and families in need, and equipping under resourced teachers and schools.

Leveraging relationships with wholesale distributors and trusted corporations, the Empty Stocking Fund supports children and families, and teachers and schools throughout the Metro Atlanta area.

  • 25,000 Student Supply Kits packed with core learning supplies are distributed to Title I schools throughout metro Atlanta.
  • 2,500+ Teachers in low-income schools’ shop for $500 worth of free classroom supplies, including pencils, paper, instructional materials and classroom décor. This reduces their financial burden and keeps their classrooms stocked!
  • Each holiday season, more than 20,000 children in need are given toys and gifts.

GIVING SINCE 1927

1927


The Empty Stocking Fund is started by a small group of employees of The Atlanta Georgian, the predecessor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

1931-1932


In 1931, the Empty Stocking Fund joins forces with the Atlanta Junior Chamber of Commerce, who took on the responsibility of conducting the annual drive.  In 1932, the Unorganized Cheerful Givers from WSB Radio begin providing gifts to needy children.

1939


The Atlanta Georgian merges with The Atlanta Journal and WSB Radio; WSB’s Unorganized Cheerful Givers joins forces with The Empty Stocking Fund.

1943


The Empty Stocking Fund opens its first toy store where parents can shop for their children’s Christmas gifts.

2019


The Empty Stocking Fund expands its reach with the addition of a school supply distribution program.

2025


The Empty Stocking Fund launches the ESF Education Express, a mobile Teacher Resource Center serving Title I schools.

  • "The Free Teacher Store has a huge impact for myself and my students. Students typically do not have funds for the daily needed school supplies and the Empty Stocking Fund provided access to those materials. I am greatly appreciative of what the Empty Stocking Fund does for my students to ensure they are equipped for success."
    M. Sutton
  • "We are a blended family of 8 with not a lot of help. We work so hard but there's not enough income generated to ensure our children have all the supplies they will need for the upcoming year. ESF helps ensure they get off to a great start with supplies they will need for their education and we are grateful for that."
    S. Fisher
  • "I teach in a community where students often are not prepared with the minimum necessities to help them succeed each day. The supplies received gave me the opportunity to provide students with supplies so that they are better equipped and don't have to feel ashamed about what they do not have access to daily."
    S. Hines
  • "My family has always opted out of Christmas due to financial hardship. With help from the Empty Stocking Fund, we have become more family oriented and now they see the joy of the holiday."
    M. Chambers
  • "Hola les agradezco esta noble causa mi niño va cumplir un año yo y mi familia somos de escasos recursos con esta ayuda mi niño va tener juguetes con que jugar."
    E. Lopez
  • "The impact that this will have is that it will release me from the burden of trying to decide if I can get school clothes or supplies for them. They are bigger now so their clothes costs are exuberant and I don't have to choose now. Thank you."
    Y. Stark

STAFF

Along with the generous support of our donors and volunteers, The Empty Stocking Fund functions smoothly thanks to the hard, unfailing work of our team members who are passionate about helping children in our community.

Gregory Hill

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Greg is deeply committed to creating lasting, positive change for communities, particularly for children and families.

Most recently, Greg served as the founding Executive Director of Aurora Day Camp, where he established and led programs that annually provide free summer, year-round, and in-hospital support to over 2,500 children with cancer and their siblings across greater Atlanta.

Greg has a background in large-scale humanitarian relief, having led the Refugee & Migration Unit at Save the Children. During his tenure, he managed a $25M annual portfolio, overseeing strategic partnerships and programs with a primary focus on child protection and education. He has been deployed to critical operations and logistics across the globe including Ethiopia, Iraq, South Sudan, and throughout the US. And now, he is leveraging his experiences and expertise to help ESF serve the families that rely on us to lighten their loads.


Joy Graham

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Joy officially joined the team in February 2022 after volunteering during the 2021 holiday season. In her role, she manages all aspects of fundraising and development, working closely with sponsor groups to help achieve their employee engagement goals and donors to help fulfill their philanthropic desires.

Joy’s nonprofit career began at the Metro Atlanta YMCA. There, she advanced from the accounting department to the development team, eventually serving as Donor Relations Manager. Throughout her development career (spanning nearly 25 years), Joy has supported athletes and celebrities in managing their foundations and has worked with various nonprofits to help improve the quality of life for others.

Joy genuinely enjoys her work with ESF, appreciating the communal approach that weaves through all aspects of the organization—from volunteers and corporate partners to donors and the families we serve.


Joshua Jackson

WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Josh joined The Empty Stocking Fund team in the spring of 2021 as the Warehouse Manager. He is a father of two little girls, is a passionate community advocate and a lifelong Atlanta resident. When he is not at the warehouse, you can find him on the basketball courts or out in the community volunteering.


Edwin “Coach” Cook

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE

Coach is a proud Navy veteran who joined The Empty Stocking Fund team in 2021. With a rich background as a former paraprofessional for Atlanta Public Schools, he has been a youth sports coach for over 20 years, inspiring countless young athletes to strive for excellence. Coach lives by his favorite saying, “Never be afraid to be great,” a mantra that reflects his commitment to empowering others and fostering a spirit of resilience and determination. His diverse experiences and unwavering passion for mentorship make him a valuable asset in both the workplace and the community.


La’Toya Hubbard

BOOKKEEPER

Born and raised in Atlanta, GA—an original Grady Baby!—La’Toya graduated from Georgia State University and currently resides in East Point, GA. She is a proud mother of three sons, who keep her on her toes and connected to the needs of others.

Coming from a place of service, La’Toya finds great fulfillment in helping to build stronger communities. After volunteering and being impressed by the professionalism of the team, she eagerly joined The Empty Stocking Fund in 2022.

In her spare time, La’Toya enjoys movies, particularly tearjerkers, believing that “crying cleanses the soul.” Her passion for storytelling and connection enriches her life both personally and professionally.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Empty Stocking Fund is governed by an independent board of directors comprised of community and business leaders representing Atlanta’s most prominent and highly respected organizations.

Directors serve as the guardians and stewards of the organization, ensuring our mission is carried out as articulated in our Articles of Incorporation and that all financial activities are legal and proper according to federal and state requirements. They set the course for the organization from year to year by establishing broadly stated goals and objectives, supporting the organization’s fundraising activities, and enhancing our public image.


Officers

Kristine Jordan, Chairman

VP of HOCPP, Product Operations – IHG Hotels & Resorts


Brian Nealon, Vice-Chairman

Director, IT Audit & Compliance – Genuine Parts Company


Joseph Manusakis, Treasurer

Partner – KPMG, LLP


Beth Little, Secretary

Director – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Directors

Karin Bursa

Founder & CEO – NIRAKIO


Casey Choate

Sr. Director, Merchandising Execution – The Home Depot


Jennifer Cowart

Senior Labor & Employment Counsel – Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta


Nate Cunningham

Owner/Consultant – Cunningham Consulting Services, LLC


Gerard Dash

Principal – JM Search


Susan Guimbellot

Director, Revenue Management Product Delivery – IHG Hotels & Resorts


David Hubbard

Managing Director, Accenture


Rawlings Joerres

Vice President, Asset and Wealth Management – Goldman Sachs


Sandeep Kharidhi

Chief Product Officer – Risk Management Association


Jaime McMurtrie

Director, Development and Community Relations – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Sara Miller

Partner – Kilpatrick Townsend


Christina Moylan

Director, Corporate Communications, Events & Philanthropy – Newell Brands


Annemarie Reagan

Senior Director, Product Portfolio, Cox Enterprises


C. J. Stewart

Co-Founder – L. E. A. D. Center for Youth


Bill Vogel

President and CEO – Montag & Caldwell


Faith Walker

Residential Customer Service Manager – Georgia Power/Southern Company

ADVISORY BOARD

The Empty Stocking Fund is counseled by an advisory board comprised of community and business leaders representing Atlanta’s most prominent and highly respected organizations.

Barry Boniface

Partner, MSouth Equity Partners

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD

Emerging leaders are invited to get involved through our Young Professionals Board—a dynamic group that builds awareness, hosts events, and champions our mission in fresh and creative ways. It’s a gateway to future board service and a great way to plug into Atlanta’s vibrant nonprofit scene.

Jack Thomas

Manager at Jabian Consulting


John Brolly

Senior Associate at MSouth Equity Partners


Samuel Korgi

Customer Manager at Accenture


Soraya Sartipi

Associate, Investment Management Division at Goldman Sachs


Kathryn Carroll

Manager, Global Marketing, Engagement & Change Communications at IHG