A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown

In Brief:

👥 Who: Crestview residents led by Katrina Raines and supported by retired deputy Jeremy Gilbert and city staff
🍽️ What: Weekly Free Food Friday events offering meals and nonperishable food to families in need
📅 When: Every Friday through the end of 2025, starting November 7
📍 Where: Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview
❤️ Why: To support individuals and families facing hardship due to the government shutdown

Crestview, FL — Residents of Crestview have come together to support families and individuals impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. What started as a single Facebook post by local resident Katrina Raines has grown into a community-wide volunteer effort called Friends Taking Care of Friends, aimed at providing meals and essential supplies to those in need.

“This is something that the Lord laid on my heart,” Raines said. “All I did was make a post on Facebook. This is a community effort — it’s not just me.”

The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from neighbors, church groups, and civic organizations throughout Crestview. Volunteers began coordinating through social media, pooling donations of food, bottled water, and supplies to serve affected families and federal employees furloughed during the shutdown.

The group’s first event, held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater (205 Stillwell Blvd.), drew more than 300 families. Volunteers served spaghetti dinners and distributed canned goods, fresh produce, and bottled water to anyone who attended. Cars lined Stillwell Boulevard as community members arrived to lend a hand, donate supplies, or pick up meals for their households.

Building on that momentum, Friends Taking Care of Friends plans to hold Free Food Fridays every week through the end of the year — or longer, depending on volunteer and resource availability. The next event is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the same location. Volunteers will serve hot dogs and chili while distributing additional food donations to families. Attendees should enter on Stillwell Boulevard and exit onto Industrial Drive to maintain traffic flow and safety.

Retired Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeremy Gilbert, a friend of Raines and early supporter of the project, expressed gratitude for the help the group has received from local officials. “We couldn’t do this without the city backing us up,” Gilbert said. “The City of Crestview provided us with access to facilities, staff support, and law enforcement assistance to make sure everything runs smoothly. They’ve been incredible partners.”

The City of Crestview has provided logistical support to help coordinate the events and ensure safety for both volunteers and recipients. City employees have assisted in setup, traffic direction, and ensuring compliance with food safety guidelines.

Organizers stress that the weekly events are open to everyone — no identification or income verification is required. “We just want to make sure no one goes hungry,” Raines said. “This is about neighbors taking care of neighbors.”

The group continues to seek donations of nonperishable foods, bottled water, paper goods, and monetary contributions to sustain the program through the end of the year. Community members can also volunteer their time to help prepare, serve, or distribute meals.

Those interested in contributing can learn more or sign up to volunteer by visiting the Friends Taking Care of Friends Facebook page. Updates, volunteer schedules, and lists of needed items are posted regularly.

For residents facing hardship due to the government shutdown — or those simply needing food assistance — Friends Taking Care of Friends aims to be a source of comfort and community support during uncertain times.

Event Details:
📅 Next Free Food Friday: November 14, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview
🍴 Menu: Hot dogs and chili
🚗 Entry: Enter via Stillwell Blvd., exit onto Industrial Dr.

Contact:
Friends Taking Care of Friends
Facebook: Friends Taking Care of Friends on Facebook
Crestview, Florida