NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso, working with the NextEra Energy Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and other Florida Division 1 Kiwanis Clubs, has delivered 288 Bags of Hope to children in foster care across Northwest Florida.
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The Bags of Hope program provides duffel bags filled with essentials such as toiletries, blankets, comfort items, and personal care products. Many children enter foster care with little or no belongings, and the bags are designed to bring both practical support and dignity during a difficult transition.
On August 16, 2025, volunteers gathered at the Community Life Center of Crosspoint Church in Niceville to assemble the bags. The effort brought together 21 Kiwanis members, six Niceville High School Key Club students, and two FPL representatives.
Once packed, the bags were delivered to Northwest Florida Health Network in Pensacola for distribution throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
“This project truly demonstrates the power of community partnership,” said Dr. William (Bo) Arnold, President of the Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club.
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“Every bag represents compassion, hope, and a reminder to foster children that they are not forgotten.”
J.T. Young, Vice President and general manager of FPL’s Northwest region, said supporting initiatives like Bags of Hope reflects NextEra Energy Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities.
“We are honored to support this incredible project that builds stronger networks of care for Northwest Florida’s most vulnerable children while providing immediate stability and comfort to those entering foster care,” Mr Young said.
Funding for this year’s Bags of Hope included a $3,000 grant from the NextEra Energy Foundation, a matching $3,000 contribution from the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso, and donations from Division 1 Kiwanis Clubs across Florida.
The Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso has led this program for the past two years with a goal of ensuring no child in Northwest Florida enters foster care without basic necessities.
