Jacksonville’s Holiday Angels Program Spreads Joy to Children in Need

Jacksonville Celebrates the Spirit of Giving Through Holiday Angels Program

In Jacksonville, the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation is once again gearing up for its Holiday Angels Program, a heartfelt initiative aimed at spreading joy to children during the festive season. The program, which started in 2000, was conceived when Executive Director Terri Florio asked a young girl what she wanted for Christmas, only to hear the reply, “It doesn’t matter. I won’t get anything anyway.” This touching moment highlighted a pressing need among the foundation’s participants, many of whom are from low-income households.

Who Benefits from the Program?

The Holiday Angels Program serves approximately 500 children aged birth to 18 years, including the siblings of children already enrolled in the foundation’s programs. Originally designed to provide each child with a new pair of shoes, an outfit, and a toy, the initiative has expanded over the years to include meaningful gifts tailored to each child’s interests and desires.

What is the Objective?

The primary goal of the program is to ensure that no child goes without a gift during the holiday season. Terri Florio, who has dedicated 28 years to the foundation, emphasizes the transformative power of even small gifts. “This program is like a family. We want the children to feel that they are valued and remembered,” she said. In addition to fostering a sense of community, the program also helps children build positive memories associated with the holidays.

How Does the Program Work?

Those interested in becoming Holiday Angels can adopt a child or family or make a cash donation. A contribution of $150 is sufficient to cover the costs of gifts for one child. Interested individuals can easily initiate the process by emailing the foundation. The organization encourages participants to wrap the gifts according to provided instructions to streamline the distribution process.

When and Where Do Deliveries Occur?

All gifts must be submitted by December 16. The foundation office is transformed into a festive workshop where staff and volunteers prepare to deliver the gifts to families on December 23. This annual tradition highlights the commitment of the foundation to not only provide seasonal gifts but also to strengthen community ties.

What Impact Does the Program Have?

For many children, receiving gifts through the Holiday Angels Program is a defining moment of their holiday experience. Sixteen-year-old Makayla H., a program participant since second grade, recalls her first gift—a pink bicycle that helped her learn to ride. “It felt like a warm hug,” she shared. With aspirations in fashion design and forensic science, Makayla reminds us that the spirit of giving can have lasting impacts on a child’s life.

Why It Matters

The Holiday Angels Program showcases the foundation’s commitment to fostering not just academic achievement, but also a sense of belonging and emotional support among its participants. The initiative provides an avenue for community members to come together and create a positive impact during a season often marked by consumerism and excess.

As the holiday season approaches, the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and kindness in Jacksonville. “The look on their faces when they receive the gifts is pretty exciting,” says Florio. This program not only fills the holiday wish lists of children but also brightens hearts and builds a sense of community solidarity.

For those looking to make a difference this holiday season, becoming a Holiday Angel is a profound way to spread joy and ensure that every child feels cherished and remembered.