By Christopher Manson
The holidays are a season of giving—and our Fort Walton Beach community never falls short when it comes to generosity. From food drives and toy collections to charity runs and Christmas markets, there are countless ways to make a difference right here at home. Whether you give time, resources or simply spread the word, you can help make the holidays brighter for neighbors in need.
Rev up for a great cause: the Harley-Davidson Owners Group (H.O.G.) #3605 hosts its 46th annual Toys 4 Tots Ride on Sunday, Nov. 16, starting at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson and ending up with festivities at the Mullet Festival Fairgrounds. Toy and cash donations benefit children served by the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) and Children In Crisis (CIC).
Day-of registration: Sunday, Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m. at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson. $10 per person + a new toy or gift card. Kickstands up at 11 a.m. for the ride to Niceville’s Mullett Festival grounds.
After-ride festivities: Bike games, best-decorated bike/auto contest, truck show, 50/50 drawing, DJ Anthony, food trucks, and 100+ prizes. Details: emeraldcoasthd.com.
The Homelessness & Housing Alliance’s Fish Fry Fundraiser is certain to get you in the spirit of giving. You can order ahead for the Nov. 21 event (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and volunteer by emailing director@hhalliance.org. There will even be a drive thru pickup in Fort Walton Beach’s Liza Jackson Park. Proceeds go directly to homelessness prevention and rehousing services in Okaloosa and Walton counties. And if that’s not enough to seal the deal, Dewey Destin’s is providing the seafood.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the inaugural Ruthlake Farm Christmas Market lands at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event supports the mission of SAFE (Strategic Alliance to Fight Exploitation) on the Panhandle, a nonprofit working to end exploitation in the Florida Panhandle. Guests will enjoy photos with Santa Claus, vendors, gift wrapping, and more. Admission is $10 and includes a complimentary shopping bag and raffle entry.
On Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harbor Docks in Destin hosts its 31st Annual Thanksgiving Feast. Everyone is invited to dig in at “absolutely no charge,” although donations will be accepted for Emerald Coast Food Rescue (formerly Destin Harvest) and Food for Thought. Emerald Coast Food Rescue (destinharvest.org) has provided hunger relief in Okaloosa and Walton counties since 2017, its mission to bridge the gap between food surplus and local hunger. This is accomplished through daily bulk pickups from local grocery stores and same-day delivery via refrigerated trucks to feeding programs in the area.
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, with support from more than 50 local businesses, is once again teaming up with Santa to spread cheer through its Christmas for the Kids Toy Drive now through December. This beloved annual effort collects new, unwrapped toys for children in need throughout the community. Locals can drop off toys at either of the two Fort Walton Beach Fire Stations (on Hollywood Blvd.), or partner businesses citywide. (Businesses will be posted on social as they become available.) Firefighters will then deliver the donations (new unopened toys, sports gear, books, clothes, hygiene products, wrapping paper, tape, etc.) directly to families, ensuring every child wakes up to something special under the tree. Cash or checks accepted at the fire station located at 5 Hollywood Blvd NE.
To get involved or find drop-off locations, visit the City of Fort Walton Beach Fire Department on Facebook or call (850) 833-9565 during normal business hours; (850) 833-9571 any other time. Or email jfreudenberg@fwb.org.
Imagine standing among rows of white headstones on a crisp December morning, the sound of quiet gratitude in the air as local families, veterans and neighbors gather to honor those who served. On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 9 a.m., the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach invites you to become part of a powerful tradition—placing wreaths on veterans’ graves as a gesture of remembrance and thanks. Whether you sponsor a wreath ($17) in tribute to a loved one, volunteer your time to help or simply attend with friends and family, your presence helps ensure that every hero right here in our community is remembered this holiday season. To learn more or participate, visit the official Wreaths Across America website or contact local coordinator Thomas Rice at pegtom2003@yahoo.com.
Help make Christmas brighter for local children through the Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree program, presented in partnership with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. Each tag on the Angel Tree represents a child in need, listing age, clothing sizes, and a few Christmas wishes. Now through Christmas, you can “adopt” an angel by selecting a tag, shopping for gifts and returning them unwrapped to the designated location. Find Angel Tree locations at salvationarmyflorida.org/fortwalton.
The Emerald Coast Toys for Tots campaign includes Okaloosa and Walton counties and is greatly benefited by the numerous local organizations and volunteers. The United States Marine Corps Reserve program collects new, unwrapped toys in November and December to distribute to our needy children. Discover more at fort-walton-beach-fl.toysfortots.org.
Become a holiday hometown hero by supporting Sharing & Caring’s annual drive now through December to ease hunger and holiday stress for area families. Donate non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys or gift cards to restock their pantry and gift-programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Drop-offs at the Niceville center (1350 E. John Sims Pkwy.) and various partner locations. For more information or to volunteer in food sort-and-distribution, visit sharing-n-caring.org.
Make sure a child has a bed to sleep in this Christmas! Donations large and small can be made to A Bed 4 Me Foundation – a nonprofit providing beds for children who would otherwise be sleeping on floors or in other inadequate spaces – can help put a child into a new bed. Make your one-time or monthly donation at abed4me.org/donate.
CALM (Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms) depends on Emerald Coast communities to maintain a safe place for mothers and children in crisis situations. Donations provide shelter, provisions and guidance for women seeking a better way of life for themselves and their kids. Donations (please make checks payable to CALM Organization Inc.) can be mailed to CALM Organization Inc., 201 Redwood Ave., Niceville, FL 32578. Visit nicevillecalm.com for more information.
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is once again spreading Christmas cheer through its annual Toy, Gift, and Adopt-a-Family Program — a heartwarming tradition that ensures local children experience the joy of the season.
Each year, ECCAC’s “Wish List” program connects generous individuals, businesses and organizations with children and families in need across Okaloosa and Walton counties. Donors can adopt a child or family, donate new toys and gifts, or give monetary contributions to help stock ECCAC’s Toy Room. The Toy Room becomes a magical “shop” where parents can select gifts for their children — all at no cost. Donations also support ECCAC’s partner agencies who serve area families year-round. “Every gift is a message of hope.” How to Help: Bring new, unwrapped toys or gift cards to ECCAC’s Niceville Center (401 McEwen Dr.). Monetary donations can be made online at ECCAC.org.
