Okaloosa County School District and Sheriff’s Office partner for 2024 Angel Tree Program to support children in need
Okaloosa County, Florida – The Okaloosa County School District and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office have united in a wonderful show of community togetherness to launch this year’s Angel Tree Program. Announced by Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Sheriff Eric Aden, the program aims to bring holiday joy to children from families in need throughout the county.
Superintendent Chambers expressed his gratitude for the community’s participation, which greatly affects many children’s life.
“The Angel Tree Program has touched the lives of many children. I am forever thankful for living in a community that supports our schools and our students,” Chambers said in a news release.
In the very first year, the kindness of district employees and community members guaranteed a better holiday for 73 children and their families, therefore establishing a high benchmark for next years. The initiative provided gifts to more than three hundred students last year.
School guidance counselors and school resource officers—who identify students in need—are part of the selection committee for this program. These students create wish lists, which the community can subsequently access. Local residents can help by providing money or deciding to support a wish list of a child over the holidays.
Sheriff Aden, who highlighted the origins and growth of the Angel Tree Program within his department, noted, “Our Youth Services Division and chaplains started the Angel Tree program in 2012. Since then, thousands of children in our community have been able to enjoy a very deserving and special Christmas.”
“This program has grown with the needs of our community thanks to the heartfelt generosity and commitment of our employees along with many local businesses and citizens. Partnering with Okaloosa County School District will help take the initiative to a higher level and that is something everyone touched by this Christmas program can truly celebrate,” Aden added.
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Those in the community wishing to help the Angel Tree project can donate money or choose to directly sponsor a child by visiting the program’s dedicated website, https://ocsostarcharity.com/angel-tree. This platform provides an accessible way for individuals to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life during the festive season.
Catherine Card or Katie Tingle, who managing this year’s activities, can be contacted for further information on participation or questions regarding the program. The school district and sheriff’s office are also promoting the initiative with a special video, the 2024 Angel Tree Partnership video, encouraging broader community participation.
Together, the Okaloosa County School District and Sheriff’s Office are not just giving presents but also encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility. Both organizations eagerly await seeing the community join together to assist its younger members in a meaningful and celebratory manner as the program gets ready for this holiday season.