HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s most popular volunteer event marks its 39th year, demonstrating the enduring appeal of a tradition that has brought multiple generations through its doors.

• The event, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 to 10 a.m., offers families an affordable holiday experience with breakfast prices set at $5 for adults and $3 for children. It has been held in the hospital cafeteria on the first Saturday of December throughout its history.

“We want to keep it affordable, especially in today’s economy,” said Vicki Tarro, who has overseen the hospital’s volunteer program for 25 years. “We want to make it available to everyone and not limit people from coming just because they can’t afford to.”

The event’s multigenerational impact is evident in its returning participants. “We’ve seen people that have brought their kids here and now they’re bringing their grandkids in because they loved it so much then,” Tarro said.

The highlight for many young attendees is Santa’s Workshop, located in an upstairs classroom. Children, accompanied by volunteer “elves” – often teenagers from the hospital’s summer ‘volunteen’ program – shop independently for gifts priced between 50 cents and $5. Volunteer gift wrappers ensure presents remain a surprise for recipients.

For Cindy Halsey, who has coordinated the event for nine years, the children’s shopping experience brings special joy. “It is just so much fun seeing the joy of the kids going in with their little shopping list and their money, looking for that item for Mom or Dad or their brother or sister,” she said.

The young shoppers often show surprising determination, as Halsey recalled: “This one little girl was shopping for her uncle. She picked out a pink Minnie Mouse with a polka-dotted dress. I tried really hard to steer her to another table, but she was not having any of it.”

• “We’ve even had savvy little shoppers sitting on the floor, counting up what they’ve done and seeing how much money they have left, and then they go back and shop,” Halsey said. “Sometimes after shopping, they can’t remember who they bought what for and it is just so much fun to watch the joy on their faces.”

The breakfast, prepared by cafeteria staff and served by the hospital’s senior leadership team, includes bacon, eggs, pancakes, cereal, juice, and fruit. Santa will be present for photos, and the cafeteria will feature holiday decorations including a Christmas tree and Santa’s rocking chair. The hospital’s pet therapy program dogs from Dog Harmony may also make appearances to visit with families.

Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital’s commitment to the community never wavered, with organizers creating an innovative drive-through version to keep the tradition alive. Following the successful return to an in-person format in 2023, which welcomed 96 children and approximately 45 adults, the hospital is actively working to spread the word about this cherished tradition. 

“Getting back started and getting the word out” is a priority, Halsey said, as the hospital aims to reach even more families with this affordable holiday experience.

The event serves as the hospital volunteers’ largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support four $1,000 donations to local charities and scholarships for high school students. While most scholarships go to students entering medical fields, two are designated for students pursuing other career paths.

• “It’s a significant event because it’s been a staple for us for a long time,” Tarro said. “It brings a community of generations together.”

Planning for the event begins in August or September, with volunteers carefully curating gift selections. 

Tickets are cash only and available for purchase at the hospital gift shop before the event or at the door on Dec. 7. Shopping at Santa’s Workshop is also cash only, with an ATM available on-site. Last year, generous donors provided tickets and shopping money for children from Children in Crisis, a tradition organizers hope to continue this year.

The volunteer team includes 65 members on its roster, with about 30 participating in this particular event. “This is the fundraiser that everyone wants to participate in,” Halsey said. “They all absolutely love it.”

“Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s fun and we really enjoy it,” Halsey added. “The community outreach is just what we’re looking for, and the joy on the children’s faces – absolutely. It’s so much fun.”