It was easy to get American Humanist Association local Florida chapters Central Florida Freethought Community (CFFC) and Humanists of Tallahassee (HOT) on board with our campaign to Stop Governor Ron DeSantis’ War on Christmas. They know firsthand how difficult he makes it for families to afford groceries and housing, receive health insurance, access educational resources, and get hurricane relief funding (despite record-breaking devastating storms in 2024). They loved the opportunity to expand their regular local gift and supply drives with this national effort to provide toys, books, and everyday essentials to Florida families in need. They also identified local stores we could work with to further support communities beyond the holidays. All campaign donations (after credit card fees) go directly to purchasing gifts based on wish lists provided by our partners and requested by youth-serving charities, schools, and shelters serving low-income Florida families.
On December 3, AHA Executive Director Fish Stark visited Orlando for a kick-off event, hosted by CFFC co-founders Jocelyn and David Williamson, and showcased thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts ready for distribution to the thirty-eight Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. CFFC annually collects science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) toys, games, and books to broaden young people’s horizons and inspire them to explore new fields of knowledge. The Clubs serve over 12,000 kids located in neighborhoods that, on average, rank at the 12th percentile for household income and the 71st percentile for incarceration rates. They’re committed to closing the opportunity gap in STEM with innovative and creative programs, activity ideas and resources that increase interest in STEM-related careers.
“These gifts aren’t meant for any particular holiday, belief, or background. They’re intended for every child, regardless of who they are or what they celebrate,” said Jocelyn Williamson. “We’re really celebrating the idea that science belongs to everyone, and we’re just happy to help ensure that every curious mind gets a chance to explore.” Some gifts, including banned books and Spanish-language resources, were purchased from White Rose Books & More, a local bookstore owned by Latina and queer women who actively speak up against bills that will be harmful to students and literacy.
This week, our next batch of gifts is going to Humanists of Tallahassee to distribute to Sabal Palm Elementary, which serves 670 kids in the poorest zip code in Florida, minutes away from the Governor’s mansion. Some of the books and toys are being purchased from Common Ground Books, a vital resource to the local low-income and LGBTQ+ community. “It offers a safe space for anyone needing it as well as a year-round food pantry and gender-affirming clothing closet, all free!” said HOT founder Devon Graham. With this campaign, before the month ends, we’ll also replenish food and hygiene supplies for the huge unhoused population HOT works with on a weekly basis.
Please help us get more gifts and essential items to children and families in Florida so their holidays aren’t spoiled by Ron “the Grinch” DeSantis. Hope you all have a great holiday season, celebrating whichever holidays you prefer, however you choose, and with whomever you love.
The post Florida Humanist Groups Are Spreading Christmas Cheer appeared first on TheHumanist.com.
Read More TheHumanist.com
About Author
