Volunteers Help School District Prepare for First Week of School in Okaloosa County

Christopher Saul
August 18, 2024
4:04 pm
Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Schools and Education

In Brief:

90 volunteers from local organizations contributed 540 hours to prepare nine Okaloosa County schools for the new academic year.
The volunteer work included tasks such as classroom setup, facility maintenance, and landscaping.
Schools benefiting from the initiative include Destin Elementary, Edwins Elementary, and Walker Elementary, among others.

A coordinated effort involving 90 volunteers from local organizations has readied nine schools in the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. The volunteers contributed a total of 540 hours to various tasks, ensuring that the schools are prepared to welcome students back.

The initiative saw participation from employees of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and personnel from Hurlburt Field Air Force Base. Their efforts were focused on tasks such as classroom setup, facility maintenance, landscaping, and the organization of educational materials.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers said, “Volunteers from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and airmen from Team Hurlburt assisted with various interior and exterior projects, helping us prepare our schools for the new year.”

Zach McCluskey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, noted that this collaboration aligns with their ongoing “We Show Up” volunteer initiative. McCluskey emphasized the hospital’s commitment to community involvement, particularly in projects that support local schools.

The schools that benefited from the volunteer work include

Destin Elementary School
Edwins Elementary School
Elliott Point Elementary School
Plew Elementary School
Edge Elementary School
Mary Esther Elementary School
Northwood Elementary School
Southside Primary School
Walker Elementary School.

As the new school year begins, OCSD is preparing to welcome students into spaces that have been revitalized by the volunteers’ efforts. The district expressed its appreciation for the contributions of all involved, acknowledging the significant impact on students, teachers, and families.