Flagler County staff raise $4,500 for ‘Christmas with Community Heroes’

By Press releases submission

Dec 13, 2022

December 6, 2022 – Flagler County staff members are feeling the holiday spirit – they raised $4,500 for Christmas with Community Heroes, an organization that provides a Christmas shopping extravaganza for children who might not otherwise be so fortunate.

“I am proud of the generosity our staff shows day in and day out, but I am particularly proud of the money they raised for local children to make their holidays brighter,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “As of Monday, there were 80 kids, ages 5 to 15, who are deserving of a special Christmas.”

Each child is allotted $150 to spend. Chief of Special Projects and Library Director Holly Albanese challenged department directors to donate $150 each, and the challenge was quickly “raised” by Airport Director Roy Sieger to $200. Digital Media and Events Coordinator Lacy Martin created a logo and flyer for the organization in addition to her financial contribution.

“The directors gave us a good jump-start, but staff members of all levels made very generous donations,” Petito said. “We are a county with a big heart focused on our community.”

The program started in 2008 with retired Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Larry Jones, who has throughout his 30-year law enforcement career has had a mission to help children in Flagler County. The program, including the name, has changed slightly over the years but the mission remains the same.

“I grew up poor, and my brother and I had to share a gift,” Jones said. “This started with my own money – I think 11 kids. My wife and I agreed that we need to give back to the community. We do the best we can and try to grow it a little bigger each year.”

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