Spread Some Cheer

December is so busy with Christmas and school break that sometimes we forget that there are so many people in our community that could use a little extra help. Every month (not just December) we should do something to help someone else. Happily, I have some great ways for you to do that this month.

Edgewater Fire-Rescue, in conjunction with the Edgewater Fire-Rescue Association, is active in providing food and toys to children and families during the holiday season through the Operation Santa program.

Donations of new clothes, gift cards for teens, new, unwrapped toys, personal care items and non-perishable food are being accepted at:

Station 55, 1605 South Ridgewood Avenue

Station 57, 2628 Hibiscus Drive

City Hall, 104 North Riverside Drive.

Monetary donations are accepted as well – checks can be made Edgewater Fire-Rescue Association (EFRA). Donations of food, toys and money will be accepted without deadline. All of these items will be distributed to people in the Edgewater area. 

In New Smyrna Beach the Police Department is spreading cheer with their 24^th annual “Operation Christmas Cheer.” You can help this effort by dropping off toys, canned goods and clothing to any of the following locations:

New Smyrna Beach City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue

New Smyrna Beach Police Department, 246 Industrial Park Avenue

New Smyrna Beach Fire Department,  500 E. 3rd Avenue

Stavro's Pizza, 800 N. Dixie Freeway

They will collect donations through December 20^th and then distribute throughout our community to those in need. If you have any questions, please contact Event organizer, Lieutenant Donna Lavallee at

dlavallee@cityofnsb.com or 386-424-2243.

Allen Chapel AME Church in conjunction with the Historic West New Smyrna Beach Community are also holding a toy drive for those that need a little extra help. Drop off donations of toys or gift cards at these locations:

Allen Chapel at 344 Sheldon St,

Babe James Community Center, 201 N. Myrtle Ave

Swanky Chic Salon, 105 N Orange Ave,

Borderline Salon 394 North Causeway

Saltyfeet Media Headquarters, 1376 Turnbull Bay Rd

Kokomo’s Salon, 521 Canal St

Thank you! These local initiatives help those right here in our community!