It is that time of year when the holiday festivities begin. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum has many holiday traditions such as our Annual Luminary Night. Volunteers are hard at work decorating the grounds with beautiful lights, gifts, and greenery. As usual, they are reaching out to help our community’s needy.

This year has brought new challenges to our community. As a result, some continue to struggle with illnesses, hunger, unemployment, and stress. The Museum's shining light has always been a beacon of hope and has helped deliver all kinds of needed services for decades. The Lighthouse is proud to lend a helping hand again in 2020. First, they will “Fill the Van with Cans” at Luminary Night and then deliver these food goods to St. Francis House. Please come to the drive-by even on December 1st at 7:00 PM and leave canned goods. Pick up the specialty Lighthouse luminaries to enjoy as well. Contact Adrienne Gonzalez for more information at 904-829-0745 extension 212.

Also, in the spirit of the Lighthouse's mission to keep our communities’ stories alive, they are pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring another Farm Share Food Give-Away on December 8 at the parking lot of Belk Department Store at the Ponce De Leon Mall. In August, they served over 400 cars and many needy Veterans, Families, and Children. 

The Lighthouse needs your help as a volunteer to set up, distribute food, and to experience the spirit of giving. This is a gratifying service.  Please Note:  There is only one volunteer shift from 7 am – 12 noon. At 7 am in the Belk lot, they will take temperatures and ensure gloves and masks are worn by all volunteers. If you cannot be there the whole time, please contact the Lighthouse.

Belk has again graciously donated their parking lot, tables, and staff for this event. Other local businesses are making in-kind contributions: Sunbelt Rentals, Wilson Heating & Air, and St. Johns County Veterans, who will help spread the word. Growers Alliance will also be serving free fresh-brewed coffee to our volunteers in the early morning and cold brew in the later morning. Groups that are providing volunteers include the Sertoma Club of St. Augustine, and The Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center as well as the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. The Lighthouse offers you warm thanks and appreciation.

If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Gayle Ballard at gballard@staugustinelighthouse.org or by phone at 904-829-0745 extension 208. The deadline for the sign-up is December 2. 

The Lighthouse asks that volunteers represent the Museum by wearing a St. Augustine Lighthouse T-Shirt. If you do not have one, please identify your size in the link to sign up, and one will arrange for you to pick up before the event.

Kindest Regards,

Gayle L. Ballard, MA, MBA

Director: Interpretative Division