Fort Walton Beach firefighters prepare to launch the annual Santa’s Firehouse Cruz-Thru Toy Drive to support local families in need
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The holiday joy is already in the air at Fort Walton Beach, where firefighters are getting set to start one of the most poignant traditions in the area. The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is once again teaming up with Santa Claus to put on the Santa’s Firehouse Cruz-Thru Toy Drive. This is an annual tradition that helps brighten the spirits of local kids and families that are having a hard time. The event has become a key aspect of the department’s long-running Christmas for the Kids program, which has helped families for years by giving them gifts, necessities, and a continuous feeling of hope.
The Cruz-Thru will be back on Saturday, December 13, and firefighters and Santa will be there to meet people as they drop off gifts at Fire Station #6 on Hollywood Boulevard. The donations collected during the drive benefit families who might not be able to provide holiday cheer otherwise. The program gives children from newborns to age 16 new toys, clothes, hygiene goods, and school supplies. It also helps with wrapping materials and seasonal needs.
Community members are asked to give new, unopened gifts, especially things that are good for teens, who are typically the hardest age group to shop for. For people who aren’t sure what to give, the department will take cash or checks during the Cruz-Thru or at Station #6 at any time. Donations of money assist fill up the holes in the program, such as buying clothes, decorations, and safety gear for bikes and skateboards. Local businesses are also getting involved by putting donation boxes all across the city to make it even easier to give.
There will also be drop-off times for some partner events. The Run With It Reindeer Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will start at AJs On The Bayou on the morning of December 13. Runners and spectators are encouraged to contribute toys. United Fidelity Bank will have its Emerald Coast Toy Drive at its Perry Avenue office on December 5th. This will provide citizens another chance to help the cause.
If you want to give your donations personally, both Fort Walton Beach fire stations—Station #6 on Hollywood Boulevard and Station #7 on Lewis Turner Boulevard—will take gifts all season long. Firefighters are happy to meet contributors and thank them in person for their kindness.
People who have questions regarding the Christmas for the Kids program should call or email Captain James Freudenberg, the program’s coordinator. They can also message the department on Facebook and Instagram. Program officials point out that every post shared and every item donated helps reach more families.
As the holiday season approaches, the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is asking the community to get together again to keep the tradition alive. With every item and every act of generosity, the people of the town make sure that every kid enjoys the wonder of Christmas.
