NICEVILLE, Fla. — A $3,000 grant from the NextEra Energy Foundation will help the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso expand its Bags of Hope program for foster children across Northwest Florida.
The donation, made on behalf of NextEra Energy Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), will support the Foundation’s efforts to provide duffel bags filled with essential and comfort items to children entering foster care in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
The Bags of Hope program is said to offer not only basic supplies, such as toiletries and blankets but also a sense of dignity during a traumatic time.
“This generous support from the NextEra Energy Foundation allows us to continue and expand this vital program,” said Bo Arnold, President of the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso.
“We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our shared mission of improving the lives of children in crisis.”
J.T. Young, FPL Vice President and General Manager for the Northwest region said the gift reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening communities.
“At FPL, we are honored to support the incredible work of the Kiwanis Foundation, which aligns with our mission to help build strong and sustainable communities,” said Mr Young.
“We are also honored and grateful to join the Kiwanis Foundation as they help improve the well-being of foster children by providing them with an opportunity to have a brighter future across Northwest Florida.”
The Kiwanis Foundation collaborates with local child welfare agencies, youth volunteers from Key Club and Builders Club, and other regional Kiwanis chapters. The organization reportedly distributed more than 300 Bags of Hope last year and hopes to serve even more children with the help of this new funding.
For more information about Bags of Hope or to support the program, contact Mr Arnold at bo.arnold.3@gmail.com.
