When Collin Arthrell, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School, was ten years old, his brother enlisted in the United States Navy. Collin used that time of separation to begin a meaningful way to give back by sending holiday stockings to sailors.
For years, Collin’s Elves, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has shipped thousands of stockings to active-duty military members. Last year, the stockings were delivered and distributed by Collin aboard the USS George Washington while it was stationed in Norfolk.
In 2024, Collin’s team has stuffed nearly 6,300 stockings that are filled with items like cell phone chargers, snacks, energy supplements, and toiletries. Those stockings will be shipped to the USS Truman, USS Eisenhower, and the USS Roosevelt.
The stockings will be shipped on November 27, and there is still time to donate. You can visit Collin’s Givebutter site to donate and see the list of donors.