As the festive lights twinkle and the spirit of giving fills the air, December invites us to reflect on the warmth of compassion and the power of collective generosity. In the heart of our communities, local charities stand as beacons of hope, tirelessly working to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. This December, we turn our attention to four remarkable organizations from the Forgotten Coast to the Emerald Coast that embody the true essence of the season—spreading joy, fostering goodwill, and weaving a tapestry of support for the less fortunate.
Learn more about the following four organizations that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida is honored to support, and how to include them in your holiday giving.
The Bay County Council on Aging
The Bay County Council on Aging, Inc. recently celebrated over 51 years of service to the people of Bay County. It is a private non-profit corporation governed by a fifteen-member Board of Directors and directed by a Chief Executive Officer. Services are provided by a staff of 30 dedicated, caring persons, and more than 100 devoted, willing volunteers. Services are provided throughout Bay County for elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged persons who need assistance to maintain their independence, health, and quality of life. Click below to learn more about how you can support their mission.
The Bailey Brigade
The Bailey Brigade is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Walton County residents diagnosed with cancer with co-pay assistance, donated backpacks of helpful supplies for patients undergoing treatment, and education scholarships for area students entering the medical field. At the Bailey Brigade, they understand firsthand the devastating impact cancer can have on families. They may not be able to make cancer disappear, but they can make a difference. Single and recurring donations can be made via the website and there are also options for both corporate sponsorships and volunteer support.
Children in Crisis
Children in Crisis, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of caring people, working together to provide homes and keep brothers and sisters together. We give a home to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of our community. Before Children in Crisis, there was no Emergency Shelter in Circuit One (which includes Okaloosa, Walton, Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties in Northwest Florida) for young children removed from an unsafe environment on short notice. Without CIC and the stability it brings, many foster children would be moved from home to home, some as many as ten times per year. They have given a safe, loving home to over 1000 children since 2008. CIC needs both monetary donations and volunteer support to continue its mission.
Franklin County Toys for Tots
A collaboration between area churches, businesses, volunteer fire departments, law enforcement, social service agencies and the Toys for Tots foundation, the program is coordinated by Franklin’s Promise Coalition to ensure the best holiday season for the children in Franklin County, and all donations are tax deductible under the organization’s 501C3 status. Franklin County Florida Toys for Tots, we cover Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St George Island, Carrabelle, and Lanark Village.
This season, let’s come together as a community to celebrate the remarkable work of these local charities, recognizing the profound impact they have on the lives they touch. After all, the holiday season is not just about giving gifts; it’s about giving back.