Giving Back

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.

Jared Williams

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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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