Help Brighten Holidays

The beauty of the holiday season truly is what’s in your heart, especially when you reach out to share your generosity with people in need.

Each year the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation are privileged to sponsor holiday programs that help us put smiles on the faces of local families for Christmas.

We’re able to provide children and their families lots of toys, bikes, and essential supplies that were purchased through donations from caring people like you. I’m thankful for the abundance we have in Volusia County and for all the generous, kind souls who share their blessings with those who are less fortunate.

Last year we received this social media post from someone whose family received Christmas blessings from the Sheriff’s Office through our holiday programs. I’ll just share a part of her post:

“This Christmas season has been hard. I get the winter blues real bad. It has also been the most blessed one as well. So many people have thought of me and my family, and I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude.”

(Through the VSO holiday program) “our whole family got to get gifts that they wanted and needed and it was such a blessing. I have been shown the love of Christ during this season. I can’t help but cry when I think about everyone who’s thought of my family and has given to us.
—From my family to yours, Merry Christmas”

I want to make sure you know there’s still time to help us make a difference in people’s lives this season. These participating locations and dates are accepting toy donations, which benefit our Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation:

• Jeep Beach Toy Shop at One Daytona (directly across from the Daytona International Speedway on International Speedway Boulevard): New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at their temporary storefront for a toy drive and fundraiser benefiting our programs. On weekends from now until December 10.
• Donate a Toy in Memory of Deputy Jason Lewis: Adams Cameron & Co. Realtors, 759 West Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. December 7, 5-7 p.m.
• Daytona Beach Naughty Elf Bar Crawl: 816 Main Street Bridge, Daytona Beach: December 9, 4 p.m.
• Southern Justice/Tailgatorz: 3411 South Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater. December 16, 6-10 p.m.
• Volusia Family Resource Center: 3747 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Open 24 hours.

With some folks still recovering from hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022 and others struggling financially, not everyone has happy holidays. That’s why our community and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office work hard to brighten the spirits of as many people as we can.

Thank you for joining me in reaching out to help moms and dads, children, grandparents, and aunts and uncles who could use a boost this holiday season.

Let’s take care of our family and friends this season,

Sheriff Michael Chitwood