Giving Back

15 Boys & Girls Clubs kids surprised with holiday shopping sprees at Academy Sports in Fort Walton Beach

Each child received $150 to shop for apparel, shoes, sporting equipment and more at the Mary Esther Cut Off store.

Jared Williams

Fifteen children from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast checked items off their holiday wish lists Thursday evening courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors.

The retailer partnered with the local nonprofit to surprise the kids with a shopping spree at its Fort Walton Beach location on Mary Esther Cut Off. Each child received a $150 gift card—totaling $2,250—to spend on sports equipment, fan gear, apparel, shoes and other items of their choosing.

The Fort Walton Beach event was one of several Academy Sports + Outdoors hosted across its footprint this holiday season as part of the company’s seasonal giving efforts.

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