Fort Walton Beach Fire Department launches Santa’s Firehouse Cruz Thru Toy Drive to brighten holidays for local children
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department’s annual Santa’s Firehouse Cruz-Thru Toy Drive will make the holiday season even brighter this year. This long-running community project attempts to bring joy, support, and a sense of seasonal warmth to local families and kids who may be having a hard time this time of year. Firefighters will once again stand next to Santa and help collect gifts and donations that will be given to kids from birth to age sixteen.
The department’s Christmas for the Kids program has become a lifeline for many families over the holidays. Thanks to donations from people and local businesses, the organization has been able to give out toys, clothes, hygiene items, school supplies, wrapping paper, and other necessities. The drive is more than just gifts; every donation helps make memories, ease stress in the home, and offer holiday joy to kids who need it the most.
Community members can help by giving new, unopened gifts that are suitable for kids of all ages, but especially teenagers, who are sometimes the hardest group to shop for. Personal care goods, clothing, and hygiene things that are appropriate for the person’s age are strongly encouraged. If you’re not sure what to offer, you can also give money. You can give money during the Cruz-Thru event or bring it immediately to Fire Station 6. The department is also accepting sponsorships to assist pay for things that don’t necessarily come with toy contributions, such wrapping paper, decorations, clothes, and safety gear for bikes and skateboards.
Santa’s Firehouse Cruz-Thru Toy Drive, the best part of the effort, will occur on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #6 on Hollywood Boulevard. Families are welcome to drive through, drop off donations, and enjoy the holiday spirit while helping a good cause. Supporters can also join the Run With It Reindeer Dash 5K and one-mile fun run at AJs On The Bayou that same morning starting at 8 a.m. This is another way to help the toy drive while having fun at a community event.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, at Perry Avenue, the United Fidelity Bank Emerald Coast Toy Drive will also be collecting more donations before the Cruz-Thru. In addition to official events, contribution boxes will be set up in local businesses, and the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department will post the locations on its social media pages. If you can’t make it to an event, you may still drop off gifts directly at Fire Station #6 or Fire Station #7 at any time.
Read also: Fort Walton Beach prepares to launch Christmas Parade with festive Zoo Animals theme on December 1
The community makes sure that no child is forgotten this Christmas by giving toys, money, and acts of kindness. The fire department wants people to spread the word, get involved in any way they can, and keep the holiday spirit alive in Fort Walton Beach.
