The Gift Of Giving

Across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, an average of 12.5 percent of residents are experiencing food insecurity, according to numbers reported by Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study.

A 2025 annual report from the Florida Council on Homelessness reported an estimated 24,498 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night across the state.

Local organizations across the Emerald Coast are here to help, and you can, too. Read on to learn about local efforts and how you can join in to be the change.

Photo courtesy of the Opportunity Place

Opportunity Place

Originating from efforts of the Okaloosa/Walton Homeless Continuum of Care organization in 2008, Opportunity Place later branched off to establish itself as a sanctuary for families and single women in need of shelter. The organization has since remained steadfast in its efforts to empower families and single women experiencing homelessness to become self-sufficient.

“At Opportunity Place, every hour of volunteer time is a gift that transforms lives,” the organization says. “By volunteering, you become a crucial part of a community dedicated to offering not just shelter but a renewed sense of hope and a path to a brighter future.”

Since the organization’s founding, more than 4,000 children, parents, and single women have found safety, support, and a pathway to success at Opportunity Place.

Volunteer Needs

Facility upkeep: Lawn care and general maintenance
Office assistance: Admin tasks, welcoming visitors, and donor facilitation
Community events: Support Opportunity Place and community partners at fundraising events

Contact volunteer coordinator Jean Day at jday@opifwb.org or (850) 598-5592 for more information on volunteer work.

Photo courtesy of Manna Food Pantries

Manna Food Pantries

A Pensacola-based grassroots organization, Manna Food Pantries’ mission is to offer emergency food assistance, service local food-related needs, and engage the community in the fight against hunger.

“We believe every person has a right to live free of hunger and to be treated with respect and dignity,” Manna’s mantra states.

The organization does not receive government funding and is supported by its volunteers and monetary and pantry donations from individuals, foundations, faith-based organizations, corporations, and businesses.

Volunteer Needs

Administrative duties

Warehouse and pantry assistance

Client services

Those interested in volunteering on a regular or intermittent basis should visit mannahelps.org/participate/volunteer to fill out a volunteer form.

Most Needed Donatable Goods

Canned tomatoes
(20 oz. or less)
Canned mixed vegetables
(20 oz. or less)
Peanut butter (2-lb jars
or less and to-go cups)
Chicken or tuna
(cans 12.5 oz. or less,
or pouches)
Fruit cups (in 100 percent juice, peel-off tops)
Canned fruit (in 100 percent juice, 20 oz. or less)
Oatmeal (boxes of single
serve packets)
100-percent fruit juice boxes
or bottles (8 oz. or less)
Microwaveable meals
(e.g. Hormel Compleats)

Food-based donations are accepted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3030 North E Street in Pensacola.

Photos by Collis Thompson of Mellow Media

Caring & Sharing of South Walton

Caring & Sharing of South Walton’s origins stem from local efforts by members of the South Walton Ministerial Association. Caring & Sharing was officially formed in July 1994.

In 2020, Caring & Sharing expanded its service area to reach all of Walton County and also expanded its financial assistance, counseling,
and case management services and programs. 

Caring & Sharing of South Walton is supported by revenue from its thrift store, area churches, foundations, business, and individual donors.

Expansion Needs

In July 2023, Caring & Sharing purchased an additional space where an expanded food pantry, case management and counseling offices, and a client intake space will be housed.

To support the renovation of this new building and the organization’s current building, email carly@caringandsharingsowal.org.

Volunteer Needs

Food pantry, packaging

Food pantry, restocking

Food distribution

Thrift store cashier

Boutique

Furniture warehouse counter

Sorting room

Testing electronics

Translator

To learn more about volunteering, visit the main location at 112 Lynn Drive in Santa Rosa Beach during open business hours, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or call (850) 267-2866, ext. 202.