NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Niceville teen is turning the season of giving into a community effort once again, leading a holiday toy drive to support children in need across Okaloosa County.
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Nineteen-year-old Bailey Howell, a Niceville High School graduate who lives in Bluewater Bay, has launched her second annual “GivingBackDestin” toy drive benefiting Children in Crisis, a nonprofit organization in Fort Walton Beach that provides homes and support for children removed from unsafe environments.
Donation boxes are available now through December 20 at several local businesses, including Daily Dose in Niceville, Pelican Adventures in Destin, Altar’d State in Miramar Beach, LJ Schooners in Niceville, and Eagles Nest in Niceville. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are welcome for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Items such as toiletries, blankets, and clothing are also being collected for Children in Crisis and other local shelters.
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A community holiday market and fundraiser will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pelican Adventures, 580 Harbor Boulevard in Destin. The event will feature local vendors, raffles, Santa visits, and family-friendly activities.
It will also include participation by local outreach groups Kadas Promise and Marshal’s Mission, with proceeds going to Children in Crisis.
Ms Howell said she was inspired to continue the drive after the success of her first year.
“Every kid deserves an amazing Christmas, and I am truly blessed to be a part of making that happen,” she said.
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In 2024, the first year of her project, Howell and her family worked closely with Children in Crisis and several local businesses to place six donation boxes across Niceville and Destin. Community support poured in, including about 50 toys donated through a special holiday party hosted by local residents.
The effort provided Christmas gifts for every child at Children in Crisis and additional supplies, including toiletries, blankets, and clothing, for another local shelter in Fort Walton Beach.
Ms Howell, who describes herself as “blessed to see the community come together,” said she is deeply grateful to business owners and donors who continue to help.
“It really takes a village,” she said.
Community members who wish to contribute can drop off items at any participating business during its regular hours of operation.
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For questions or to get involved, contact Ms Howell at givingbackdestin@gmail.com or 913-337-4081. Updates and photos are shared on Instagram at @givingbackdestin.
Donation drop-off locations and addresses are as follows:
• Daily Dose, 4550 East Highway 20, Suite H, Niceville
• Pelican Adventures, 580 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
• Altar’d State, 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite L105, Miramar Beach
• LJ Schooners, 290 Yacht Club Drive, Niceville
• Eagles Nest, 1534 John Sims Parkway East, Niceville
