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Fort Walton Beach firefighters raise $36,000 in holiday toy drive

With help from 60 businesses and 50 volunteers, the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department provided gifts for 263 children from 64 families through its annual "Christmas for the Kids" charity drive.
Some of the toys collected for the 2024 Fort Walton Beach Fire Department “Christmas for the Kids” toy drive are displayed in front of the fire department’s historic Engine #1. (FWB)

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department raised $36,000 in donations for its sixth annual “Christmas for the Kids” charity toy drive, providing holiday gifts for hundreds of local children and families.

  • The department coordinated with more than 60 businesses and 50 volunteers, including Fort Walton Beach High School Air Force JROTC cadets and Okaloosa County school administrative teams, to distribute toys, clothing and other holiday gifts to 263 children from 64 families. The initiative also supported four additional organizations serving children in need.

“The experience each child received on Christmas morning is priceless to us,” said Captain/Paramedic James Freudenberg, who coordinates the program. “And we couldn’t have done it without the immense support we received from our businesses and citizens this year.”

Planning has already begun for next year’s drive. Those interested in participating can contact Freudenberg at 850-833-9565 or jfreudenberg@fwb.org.

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, established in 1941, provides fire protection, emergency medical advanced life support, hazardous materials mitigation and technical rescue services. The department also coordinates emergency preparedness, enforces state fire codes, conducts inspections and offers public fire and injury prevention education.

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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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