For Immediate Release

November 6, 2017

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking our community to join us in helping give the gift of hope this Christmas.

Many families in Walton County are in need this holiday season and could use some assistance in providing for their children.

“Keep in mind these are kids of all ages,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “Not just youngsters, but teenagers as well. That’s why we are calling it a gift drive – so we don’t limit the focus to just toys.”

Starting Monday November 6^th the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for donations for our 2017 Gift Drive for Santa Patrol and Community Christmas.

“Children are society’s greatest gift and we want to do all we can to ensure they have a few gifts under the under the tree,” said Walton County Sheriff’s Captain Angie Hogeboom. “Working with the Matrix shows just how important community truly is while also providing an opportunity for our deputies and firefighters to have a positive interaction with the families and –- most importantly – the children.”

We have drop off locations at our north and south end offices as well as our Walton County Fire Rescue stations.

“Preparation for the 2017 Community Christmas event is in full swing and the Matrix is super excited to be working alongside WCSO Santa Patrol again this year,” said Candy Nowling of the Matrix. “This partnership began in 2011 and has grown beyond our wildest imagination thanks to the hard work of so many groups like the Santa Patrol, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and so many more. Our goal this year is to provide for over 500 children in need here in Walton County for the Christmas holiday.”

For more information on getting assistance for your family contact Ashley Foushee at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office by emailing AFoushee@waltonso.org.