Ask Destinites: Ideas for Bringing Community Together

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Patricia Lee DestinitesBy Patricia Lee, Owner Destinites.com

This month in our locals’ Destinites Facebook group at www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites, I posed a question to our members and received an overwhelming amount of creative and thought-provoking replies.

My post to members:
“Is there anything special you would like to see implemented by the city of Destin during the holiday season which, of course, isn’t already being done? Could we think of anything else that would possibly help the less fortunate in the area or maybe just think of something fun that would bring the community together. The parade is one great example. But, what else could be done? A designated night for caroling maybe? Caroling on the beach? I haven’t thought that through, but my church choir participated in caroling when I was a teen, and it was so much fun! What are your thoughts and ideas?”

Below are just some of the replies from members. Check it out and maybe you could help implement one of these wonderful suggestions. Take action and get involved. It’s a great feeling to help your community and it all starts with one. Be the one!

1. “I think caroling on the beach or down by the Harbor by different church choirs would be awesome!”
2. “Just make sure you get a permit…lol. We tried flash mob caroling at Destin Commons and after the second song, the security came and told us we needed a permit…”
3. “Community shelter, food and personal hygiene assistance to those in need, toy drive for less fortunate families in Destin. Maybe a holiday pancake breakfast that’s offered complimentary with volunteers to host and serve inside in a warm community center.”
4. “I agree with a community shelter of some type. Seems like we have a lot of people in need of such lately.”
5. “I’d like to see if there is a way to offer a weekly or fortnightly lunch with a family for the older population and others with no local family over these holiday periods. It’s lonely and it’s easy for most families to add an extra place at the table (and pick and drop them from home if they don’t have transport). Just unsure how here in the Destin it could be advertised.”
6. “I read somewhere about a Christmas “cop stop” for lunch for all first responders… it was at someone’s home, in a smallish town, and all first responders were invited to stop and have, or pick up, their lunch. It was in its 10th or so year, so was well received. Not sure of logistics, using a home or school or church, and further details, but would be willing to work on this idea if others thought well of it.”
7. “Festival of trees. I saw a community that asked businesses to set up and decorate a 10’ tree in a community center and then judge for different categories. Set up first weekend after Thanksgiving and have open to public till Christmas. It was a magical place with over 50 trees. I think businesses entered the event for a fee, but then the public got to view for a canned good to a community food bank.”
8. “Golf cart (decorated of course) pet parade, maybe on Main Street or Airport? How fun would that be? Not necessarily a Christmas theme, but maybe Halloween?”

If you are a Destin resident or in the close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private group at www.Facebook.com/ groups/Destinites with more than 9,000 members (Est. Oct. 2018). Check out our monthly newsletters and sponsored local business directory at www.Destinites.com.

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