Mittens, snow boots, pajamas, winter coats and toys would be hard to come by for some of Martha’s Vineyard’s neediest families, if not for the Red Stocking Fund.

The Red Stocking Fund got a big boost Friday with a check that was large in size and amount: $13,500 from Safeco Insurance as part of their Make More Happen campaign.

The basement hall at St. Augustine's might well be Santa’s workshop this week, except that Santa is in this case a group of dedicated volunteers with one goal: provide children in need with gifts for Christmas. This year, more than 300 children will receive gifts through the Red Stocking Fund.

A large green binder rested on Lorraine Clark’s kitchen counter this week, the pages filled with requests for bicycles, toys, books, art supplies and blankets.