Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation continued its annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer by fulfilling Christmas wish lists for every child served by Fresh Start for Children & Families, marking the fifth consecutive year the company has supported the nonprofit’s holiday program.
This year’s effort included wrapping and delivering more than 260 gifts (recap video), ranging from PlayStation 5 consoles and iPads to bicycles and giant dollhouses. Inside Bit-Wizards headquarters, the annual tradition is a meaningful event that brings company staff closer together, but seeing the impact it has on families is what makes this occasion truly special.
“I can’t express how thankful I am,” said Mariah Edwards, Fresh Start resident. “Being a single mother, there’s so much weight on your shoulders, especially around the holidays, and this takes so much of that stress away. Knowing my son will wake up with a smile on his face and have everything he needs and wants means everything to me.”
Fresh Start for Children & Families is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the homeless population for more than 30 years. Founded in 1986 as the Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless, the organization rebranded as Fresh Start—standing for Freedom, Respect, Education, Safety, and Hope—to better reflect its focus on helping families rebuild stability and independence.
Today, Fresh Start operates three core programs: Transitional Housing, Affordable (Step-Up) Housing, and the Repeat Street Thrift Store, which serves as its primary funding source. Together, these programs provide housing, education, and support services that empower families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
“I don’t have family here, so Fresh Start feels like my family,” said Marlene Carby, Fresh Start resident. “They listen, they support you, and that changes everything when you’re trying to rebuild.”
That steady support not only helps parents rebuild but also creates a sense of safety and consistency for their children. For Marlene, it becomes especially important during emotional times of the year, like the holidays.
“It’s absolutely everything to see my kids so happy,” said Carby. “Knowing their hopes and wishes are fulfilled, even when I couldn’t make that happen on my own, means more to me than anything.”
Bit-Wizards’ partnership with Fresh Start goes beyond a single event. It’s about a long-term commitment to strengthening communities across Northwest Florida, making a lasting impact, and inspiring others to do the same.
“Supporting Fresh Start reflects who we are at our core,” said Caroline McCoy, Bit-Wizards' chief operating officer. “This isn’t just about gifts. It’s about showing families they’re seen, supported, and cared for. They’re doing so much to overcome homelessness, trauma, or financial hardship and deserve to have the same joy, dignity, and sense of belonging as any other family, especially during the holidays.”
The initiative is led through the Be the Magic Foundation, which was established in 2021 as part of Bit-Wizards’ long-standing commitment to philanthropy. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is also marking a significant milestone—more than $3 million donated to over 50 nonprofit organizations across Northwest Florida through financial contributions, volunteer hours, and in-kind support.
Community members interested in supporting Fresh Start for Children & Families can learn more about the organization, making donations, and other ways to help by visiting https://freshstartfl.com/about-us/.
