SANTA'S HELPERS Dec. 3
Toys/clothing for children here and abroad
Christmas is always a busy time for Destin-based Mission Love Seeds. They receive calls from parents here who cannot afford to purchase gifts for their children. All age toys are needed, including gift cards for teens. Also needed are new clothes and shoes in all sizes. If in Destin or close by, drop off items at 55 Country Club Drive E in Destin.
MLS also continues its giving to children and families in the Philippines, Haiti and Kenya. You might wish to adopt a family this Christmas.
For more information or to make a monetary donation, call 850-650-5583, email missionloveseeds@cox.net or message Barbi Carroll, founder of MLS, on Facebook. Donations can also be made at missionloveseeds.org using credit card or Paypal. All donations are appreciated.
Poinsettia sale
Billy Gray Ministries in Miramar Beach announced its third annual sale of poinsettias to area businesses and residents. The sale will benefit the Billy Gray Ministries to assist in its missionary work around the world. Billy Gray has traveled to India, Africa, and the Caribbean, among other places, including a recent trip to Cuba, to spread the Gospel to people who have never heard it before or who have never accepted its teachings.
The poinsettias come in three sizes — 6 ½” pots, 8” pots and 10” baskets. The prices are $15, $19 and $25 respectively. The plants will be delivered on Dec. 4 directly to your home or office in the immediate area.
To place an order, send a check made out to Billy Gray Ministries, P.O. Box 6202, Miramar Beach, FL 32550. For more information, contact William West at 850-797-1901.
Century 21 Blue Marlin Toy Drive Drop
Century 21 Blue Marlin has partnered with Porsche of Destin, Gregg ORR Auto and the North Florida Region Porsche Club of America to collect toys for children who will visit the emergency room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast this holiday season. Whether the children are at the local hospital to receive care themselves or for a loved one, the toys bring joy to the children and help make their time in the hospital a little brighter. Drop unwrapped new or gently used toys at Century 21 Blue Marlin’s Destin or Santa Rosa Beach office locations. Locations in Destin also include Porsche of Destin on Airport Road, Greg ORR Auto on Main Street and North Florida Region Porsche Club of America, 814 North Lakeside Drive.
The Arc of the Emerald Coast
The holidays are upon us and planning is underway. The Arc of the Emerald Coast is leading this season in ways which you can give. They have three campaigns underway to offer ways which you can show your giving sprit.
First, The Arc of the Emerald Coast is now taking orders for your seasonal poinsettias. This is a wonderful way to give while receiving the seasonal flora's you are already planning for. The Arc is offering an 8 inch poinsettia with multiple color options. Order deadline is Monday, Dec. 5. Delivery is available for an additional fee. Call 850-863-1530 or email info@arcemerladcoast.org to order.
The second way you can get into the spirit of giving is by contributing to The Arc's Giving Tuesday campaign. Giving Tuesday is now a national movement following the day after cyber Monday in which you can donate to a cause you believe in. The Arc of the Emerald Coast has partnered up with Emerald Coast Gives Back for another season of giving. The Arc needs your donations to purchase vans to provide transportation to more than 450 men, women and children they serve, who are unable to drive.
Lastly, in wrapping up your giving sprit, you can adopt an Arc Angel. The Arc is requesting gifts on behalf of the men, women and children they serve who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. If you are interested in adopting an Arc Angel, contact The Arc of the Emerald Coast at 850-863-1530.
United Way Coat Drive date extended
If you would like to participate in this year's Coats for Kids at Christmas ... Share the Warmth ... please drop-off new coats or gently used clean coats until Dec. 12 at locations in Okaloosa and Walton counties that can be found at www.united-way.org/coats.htm/. Contribute either dollars or coats to Coats for Kids. Call 243-0315 or email carolyn@united-way.org.
Adopt-a-Family with ECCAC
It’s not too early to start planning for this year’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center Adopt-a-Family program to help children in need over the upcoming holiday season.
ECCAC is seeking donors who will purchase gifts for individual families who have been identified by the center. Last year, the program helped more than 300 children in 125 families have a brighter Christmas.
Sign up for Adopt-a-Family online at www.eccac.org or contact Kim Henderson at kim@eccac.org or 850-833-9237, ext. 283 to make arrangements. Then shop for them and bring unwrapped gifts by Dec. 9, or sooner, to the Niceville or DeFuniak Springs centers.
Toy Drive for Foster Kids
Mattress Firm will host a toy drive for foster children through Dec. 18. Bring your donation of new and unwrapped gifts to a Mattress Firm location near you, and help keep the holiday spirit alive for local foster children. Or donate at https://www.mattressfirmfosterkids.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.general and your gift will be used to provide foster children with special services and programs. Some needed toys are bikes/scooters, electronics, Legos, Barbies, books, dolls, trucks, crafts and coloring books and sports equipment.
Holiday Season Family Sponsor
Food for Thought Outreach will provide meals for more than 500 families this holiday season. Families will receive foods needed for children during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks plus foods for a traditional holiday meal. Donate $30 at fftfl.org.