Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Sheriff Eric Aden are delighted to announce the collaboration between the Okaloosa County School District and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for this year's Angel Tree Program. The program aims to assist students from families who require support during the holiday season. Thanks to the assistance of school guidance counselors and school resource officers (SROs), students in need are identified. Last year, more than 300 Okaloosa students received gifts from the two organizations, thanks to the generosity of staff and community members.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers stated, "The Angel Tree Program has touched the lives of many children. I am forever thankful for living in a community that supports our schools and our students. In the District's first year of launching the program, the generosity of District staff and community members ensured 73 children and their families had a happy holiday! This partnership is meaningful because children are at the heart of it, and I am confident that we are making a difference in the lives of students and their families." This fall, school guidance counselors and school resource officers will work together to identify more students in need. They will generate wish lists provided by each student, and community members can contribute by giving monetary funds or sponsoring a student and purchasing gifts from the wish list.
“Our Youth Services Division and chaplains started the Angel Tree program in 2012. Since then, thousands of children in our community have been able to enjoy a very deserving and special Christmas,” stated Sheriff Eric Aden. “This program has grown with the needs of our community thanks to the heartfelt generosity and commitment of our employees along with many local businesses and citizens. Partnering with Okaloosa County School District will help take the initiative to a higher level and that is something everyone touched by this Christmas program can truly celebrate.”
Community members interested in sponsoring a child or making a monetary donation to support the Angel Tree initiative can visit https://ocsostarcharity.com/angel-tree.
For more details about the Angel Tree program, please contact Catherine Card at catherine.card@okaloosaschools.com or Katie Tingle at ktingle@sheriff-okaloosa.org.
Watch the 2024 Angel Tree Partnership video here.
