Goode Van Slyke Architecture is donating design services to build out new office space in the newly-leased warehouse of well-known charity The Empty Stocking Fund (ESF).

In July of 2020, the nonprofit moved into a 20,000 square foot warehouse in Southwest Atlanta’s Pittsburgh neighborhood near Downtown. GVSA’s donation includes pro bono design services for 1,000 square feet including office space for staff and support space for volunteers. The design also includes updating the building’s entrances and exits to meet current codes and make the facility more welcoming to all who visit. Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor, is also donating expertise and time while working with vendors and trade contractors to secure materials and labor.

Founded in 1927, The Empty Stocking Fund is a nonprofit organization that supports metro Atlanta in-need children and empowers their caregivers to provide for them. It provides a unique holiday gift shopping experience for parents, allowing them to choose brand new, high-quality gifts for their children and recently added a school supply distribution program that more than tripled the number of children served each year. This year, in addition to distributing individual student school supply kits and holiday gifts to more than 30,000 disadvantaged kids, ESF will soon launch Atlanta’s first and only online free store for teachers giving 5,000 teachers an opportunity to receive more than $500 worth of supplies and materials to support their students.

“I’ve volunteered at The Empty Stocking Fund holiday shopping events several times,” said GVSA architect Leisa Hardage. “It’s truly a joyous experience. In the spirit of the volunteerism that keeps The Empty Stocking Fund operating, we felt we could make a difference with this project.”

“Thank you, Goode Van Slyke Architecture, Brasfield & Gorrie, McKenney's, Inc. and Mazzetti for your incredible generosity,” ESF Executive Director Manda Hunt wrote on Facebook. “We are SO excited to get our current office situation improved. For the first time in our 94-year history, we will finally have a real home of our own.”

Goode Van Slyke Architecture is performing 25 acts of community service to celebrate the firm’s 25th anniversary.