A $10,000 grant through the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is enabling the Blessing Bag Ministry to distribute 800 additional hygiene bags to students in Okaloosa County, bringing the program’s total to more than 2,500 bags since it launched in 2022.

• The grant, provided by the Florida Blue Foundation, will also fund the purchase of 200 lice treatment kits to address student health needs across the district.

The Blessing Bag Ministry was founded through a partnership between St. Simon’s Episcopal Church and Okaloosa County Schools. Each bag contains everyday essentials such as soap, shampoo, deodorant and hairbrushes.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Blessing Bag Ministry to support their mission of providing critical hygiene essentials to students in need,” said Hong Potomski, Northwest Florida Market Leader for Florida Blue. “We know that students can’t focus on learning until their basic needs are met. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of kids in Okaloosa County, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the hundreds of students and families served by this ministry.”

Since 2022, the ministry has distributed more than 1,700 bags to students throughout the county. The 800 new bags funded by the grant represent a major expansion of the program’s reach.

“The Blessing Bag Ministry continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students by ensuring their most basic needs are met,” said John Spolski, Executive Director of the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation. “We are grateful for the partnership with Florida Blue Foundation and the generosity of all those involved. The delivery of these 800 additional bags will help us reach even more students with dignity and care, supporting their health, confidence, and ability to succeed in school.”