By Christopher Manson
Good news! There are plenty of opportunities to be a Hometown Hero this holiday season by donating, volunteering or simply spreading the good word about our local nonprofits. Here are just a few ways you can make the holidays a lot brighter for those in need:
Harvest House Destin provides for families in Destin and Miramar Beach during the holidays and year-round. If you and your family are in need or would like to donate, call 850.837.2777, stop by 300 Mountain Dr. in Destin, or visit harvesthousedestin.org. Volunteers are needed, too.
The Okaloosa County School District and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office join forces for this year’s Angel Tree Program, which assists students requiring support during the holidays. Through school guidance counselors and school resource officers, students in need are identified. Last year, more than 300 Okaloosa students received gifts from the two organizations, thanks to the generosity of staff and community members. You can help this year by contributing monetary funds or sponsoring a student and purchasing gifts from their wish list. Sponsor an “angel” or make a monetary donation at ocsostarcharity.com.
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s Christmas Toy Drive has begun! Bring joy to area kiddos and help ECCAC stock its toy room for its families and agency partners to “shop”! Choose from ECCAC’s wish list at eccac.org. Every contribution makes a difference in ending abuse and restoring childhood one child at a time. Contact Hailey (Hailey@eccac.org) to schedule your drop-off.
The Salvation Army once again provides opportunities to give joy, by making an anonymous donation of new clothes and toys to the Angel Tree program; and time, by volunteering to distribute gifts and holiday meals to those in need. Items can be dropped off at the Salvation Army’s Thrift Store, 425 Mary Esther Cutoff in Mary Esther. Call 850.243.4531 for more information.
A Bed 4 Me, providing beds for children in Okaloosa and Walton counties since 2016, provides a full bedding kit at no cost to local children and families in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. You can volunteer to help with bed delivery assistance, fundraising event support or to host bedding drives. To volunteer, email diane@abed4me.org or send a message at abed4me.org. A Bed 4 Me also accepts in-kind donations; a wish list is posted on the website and you can always donate new, standard size sleeping pillows, Amazon and Walmart gift cards.
One Hopeful Place provides shelter and “hope” for those in dire need—single men, women and veterans with no shelter, medical supplies, transportation or basic necessities, Community support creates a significant ripple effect on the lives of the homeless. Donations to One Hopeful Place do more than provide shelter and meals, they instill hope and open doors to new beginnings. Even a small monthly pledge can make a significant impact. Visit onehopefulplace.org or call 850.586.7879.
Food for Thought (fftfl.org) has geared up for the holidays and its annual food services. The nonprofit’s Holiday Food List includes instant potatoes, stuffing, cornbread mix, canned vegetables, dry beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce, cereal, pancake mix, boxed milk and juice. Individuals and local businesses are encouraged to drop off food items for holiday meals at Food for Thought’s Destin or Santa Rosa Beach pantries. Email support@fftfl.org to learn more.
This is just a small sample of the worthy charities in the DESTIN LIFE readership area. We encourage you to search online for additional opportunities to help others this holiday season! They need you and you’ll be glad you did!
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