Giving Back

Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation receives $3,000 grant to support foster children

NextEra Energy Foundation grant will help expand the Bags of Hope program serving children across Northwest Florida.

Ashley Ward

The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso announced it has received a $3,000 grant from NextEra Energy Foundation to support its Bags of Hope program, which provides essential items to foster children across Northwest Florida.

The program supplies duffel bags filled with toiletries, blankets, comfort items and personal care products to children entering the foster care system in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. The bags provide practical support and comfort during what is often a traumatic transition for children.

“This generous support from the NextEra Energy Foundation allows us to continue to expand this vital program,” said Bo Arnold, president of the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our shared mission of improving the lives of children in crisis.”

The NextEra Energy Foundation is a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company. J.T. Young, FPL vice president and general manager for the Northwest region, said the grant reflects the company’s broader mission to strengthen communities.

“At FPL, we are honored to support the incredible work of the Kiwanis Foundation which aligns with our mission to help build strong and sustainable communities,” Young said. “We are also honored and grateful to join the Kiwanis Foundation as they help improve the well-being of foster children by providing them with an opportunity to have a brighter future across Northwest Florida.”

The foundation distributed over 300 Bags of Hope last year through collaboration with local child welfare agencies, youth volunteers from Key Club and Builders Club, and regional Kiwanis chapters. With the new grant support, the organization aims to serve even more children in coming months.

The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves children and families through mentorship, community service and direct support initiatives.

The foundation partners with local schools, social services and youth leadership programs in the Twin Cities region.

Those interested in learning more about the Bags of Hope program or supporting the initiative can contact Bo Arnold at bo.arnold.3@gmail.com or 626-298-3908.

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