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Health First Shoppers Brighten Brevard Kids' Holidays for 12 Years

2024-12-07

Health First has been a beacon of hope during the holiday season for the past 12 years. With nearly 50 associates coming together at various locations like the Melbourne Village Walmart and the Viera Target, they have made a significant difference in the lives of countless children. This annual event showcases the company's commitment to giving back and making the holidays brighter for those in need.

"Health First: Spreading Holiday Cheer One Child at a Time"

Health First's Partnership with South Brevard Sharing Center

Nearly 50 associates and leaders gathered at the Viera Target location to partner with the South Brevard Sharing Center. They were dedicated to fulfilling wish lists for children who might otherwise go without gifts during the holidays. Many of these children are homeless, and this initiative provides them with a glimmer of hope for a better year ahead. Pamela Huffman, the executive director of the South Brevard Sharing Center, expressed her gratitude for this partnership, stating that it means a great deal to the families and gives them the encouragement they need. As of this week, there were already more than 200 children on the list to receive toys and gifts, and registrations were still coming in. The process involves bagging and coordinating the gifts, allowing parents to pick them up at a scheduled pickup event. This way, children can have the joy of receiving presents from both their parents and Santa.

Health First's Contribution to Family Partnerships of Central Florida

On Thursday, Health First associates once again converged on the Melbourne Village Walmart location to shop for Family Partnerships of Central Florida. Over the last 12 years, Health First has helped make the holiday season brighter for more than 2,000 children. Hundreds of associates and leaders have volunteered their time to fulfill the "wish lists" provided by organizations like Family Partnerships. Phil Scarpelli, the president and chief executive officer of Family Partnerships, attended the shopping event and emphasized the importance of this collaboration. He mentioned that their early days were focused on serving children and families in Brevard County, and now they have expanded beyond. Working with Health First and other wonderful organizations is what makes a difference. This event, he said, brings the focus and appreciation to the meaning of Christmas, reminding everyone of the power of coming together in a collaborative effort.

Health First's Volunteer Spirit and CEO's Perspective

Terry Forde, the President and CEO of Health First, expressed how much the associates look forward to this event each year. They say they can't wait to come back and do it again. This event is not only a special resource for the community but also for the team at Health First. Giving back to the community is a 365-day-a-year responsibility for a healthcare system like Health First. The positive impact on a person-to-person basis is a strong experience that aligns with the values they share collectively. It shows that Health First is not just a healthcare provider but also a community partner that cares.Health First's Special Events Director Rachel Hobgood and Health First Health Plans President Matt Gerrell were also actively involved in the holiday shopping event. They ensured that the shopping lists were fulfilled and gave final instructions to the associates. This attention to detail and the collective effort of the team made the event a success.In conclusion, Health First's holiday season initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of children and families in Brevard County. Through their partnerships and volunteer work, they have brought joy, hope, and a sense of community during the most wonderful time of the year.

In Atlanta, a remarkable nonprofit is making a significant difference during this holiday season. Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta is on a mission to bring joy and mobility to children across the metro area. On a recent Saturday, as Channel 2 Action News was on the scene, hundreds of bikes were given away. Executive Director Curtis Winston shared that they collect bikes throughout the year. At the start of December, they carefully clean and check the bikes for safety and then distribute them to children. On that particular Saturday, an impressive 400 bikes were handed out. Winston also mentioned that they give out bikes year-round and this year, they have already distributed more than 1,000 bikes. He recounted his own experience, saying, "At 10 years old, my first bike was a gift from my neighbor because my parents couldn't get me a bike." This personal story highlights the importance of their work. They work with other community nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Communities in School, Girls of Excellence, and many more to identify children in need. Since starting in 2016, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta has gifted over 6,000 bikes. Watching the children's faces light up as they pick a bicycle and exclaim, "Wow, this is for me?" is truly a heartwarming sight. It also takes a burden off the parents. This nonprofit is truly making a positive impact in the lives of children and the community.

Spreading Holiday Cheer through Bikes for Kids

Collecting Bikes Throughout the Year

Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta has a dedicated team that works tirelessly to collect bikes from various sources. They reach out to individuals, businesses, and community members to gather these precious cycles. By doing so, they ensure a steady supply of bikes for the children. These collected bikes are then carefully inspected and prepared for distribution. This process shows their commitment to providing safe and reliable bikes to the kids.

They understand that every bike can make a difference in a child's life. It gives them a sense of freedom and independence. The act of collecting bikes is not just about numbers but about creating opportunities for children to explore and have fun.

Distributing Bikes in December

December is a special month for Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta. It is the time when they take all the cleaned and checked bikes and hand them out to the children. This is a moment of joy and excitement as the children get to choose their very own bike. The sight of children riding away on their new bikes is a testament to the impact of their work.

They make sure that each bike is given to a child who truly needs it. By partnering with other community nonprofits, they are able to reach a wider range of children and make a greater impact. This collaborative effort shows the power of working together for a common cause.

Impact on Children and Parents

The impact of Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta goes beyond just providing bikes. For the children, it is a chance to experience the joy of riding a bike and the freedom it brings. It can boost their confidence and self-esteem. For the parents, it is a relief to know that their children have a safe and fun mode of transportation.

Winston's words, "Watching the children come in pick a bicycle and go, 'Wow, this is for me?' The other thing is, it’s a burden off the parents," truly capture the essence of their work. It shows that they are not just giving bikes but giving hope and a better future to the children.

Long-Term Contributions

Since its inception in 2016, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta has made a significant long-term contribution. They have given away more than 6,000 bikes, touching the lives of countless children. This is a remarkable achievement that has had a lasting impact on the community.

Their work is not limited to the holiday season. They are committed to providing bikes to children year-round, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of riding a bike. This dedication is what sets them apart and makes them a valuable asset to the community.

During the holiday season, several organizations in Grant County are working hard to ensure that children don't go without gifts. The Silver City Elks Lodge No. 413 has been conducting its giving tree program for over a decade. This year, about 60 children from both the Silver and Cobre school districts will receive gifts. The schools select five students from each school, and parents fill out applications with information about the child. Ornaments with no names are placed on a tree in the lodge, and on December 21, there will be a breakfast with Santa where the children and families meet and receive their presents. The Elks receive a $7,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation and add another $2,000 - $3,000 from their own funds. Each child receives an average of $150 - $200 worth of gifts.The Western New Mexico University Child Development Center is also in the midst of its giving tree program. This year, there are about 80 children served by the center and their siblings, an increase from last year due to more therapists and expanded services. A second tree has been set up at Miller Library. Ornaments describe the holiday wants and needs of the children, and each ornament has four small removable cards with gift suggestions. All gifts should be brought, wrapped, to the center by December 20. The center also welcomes stocking stuffers for all ages.In Bayard, a toy drive is organized by Margie Estrada. This is the third year of the drive, and it aims to help children in the Mining District community. New and pre-owned toys in good condition, stockings, and individually wrapped goodies are being accepted. Items can be dropped off from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 104 Hurley Ave. The toys will be distributed on or before December 21.The Silver City Gospel Mission is not conducting an organized gift drive this year but welcomes donations of turkeys, foodstuffs, warm clothes, and other items for their less fortunate clients. They will be doing a Christmas box giveaway for holiday meals.These organizations are making a significant impact during the holiday season, bringing joy and hope to children in need.

"Spreading Holiday Cheer through Community Giving"

Silver City Elks Lodge's Giving Tree Program

The Silver City Elks Lodge's giving tree program is a long-standing tradition. For over a decade, they have been working to make Christmas special for local children. By collaborating with the school districts and gathering information from parents, they ensure that each child receives personalized gifts. The breakfast with Santa on December 21 is a highlight, where families come together to enjoy a homemade hot breakfast and receive their presents. This hands-on event allows the Elks members to directly contribute to the holiday joy of the community.

The $7,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation is a significant boost, but the members' additional contributions show their dedication. With an average of $150 - $200 worth of gifts per child, the Elks make a substantial difference in the lives of these children. It's heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces when they receive their presents.

Western New Mexico University Child Development Center's Giving Tree

The Western New Mexico University Child Development Center's giving tree program is expanding this year. With about 80 children and their siblings served, the center is reaching more families. The addition of a second tree at Miller Library provides more access for community members to participate. By describing the children's holiday wants and needs on the ornaments, it allows gift-givers to have a personal connection. The handmade clay ornaments as a gift of appreciation add a special touch.

The deadline for bringing wrapped gifts to the center by December 20 is crucial. The center also welcomes stocking stuffers of various items, showing the wide range of needs and interests of the children. The community's support last year has been gratefully received, and it enables the center to continue growing and providing happy holidays.

Bayard Toy Drive

The Bayard toy drive, in its third year, is focused on helping children in the Mining District community. Margie Estrada's efforts in accepting new and pre-owned toys in good condition, along with stockings and individually wrapped goodies, are making a difference. The drop-off hours from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 104 Hurley Ave. make it convenient for people to contribute. The distribution of toys on or before December 21 ensures that children have something special to open on Christmas morning.

This toy drive is not limited to specific children but welcomes any child in need. It shows the community's unity in coming together to support the younger generation during the holiday season.