A familiar holiday tradition is getting a new name this year. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Okaloosa County School District are bringing back the program formerly known as Angel Tree, now called Operation Jingle Bells.

The annual partnership helps bring holiday joy to students and families who may be facing financial challenges. School counselors and school resource officers work together to identify students in need and create holiday wish lists, which they share with generous community members who want to help.

Operation Jingle Bells will officially kick off this holiday season with more information coming in October, including how local businesses, organizations, and individuals can participate.

The name may be new, but the mission remains the same: coming together as a community to make the holidays brighter for Okaloosa County students.

This program supports students from families in need during the holiday season. With help from school guidance counselors and school resource officers (SROs), staff and community members identify students in need and provide gifts through the generosity of our community.

These are not just gifts—they represent moments of hope, smiles of surprise, and reminders that our community cares. You can make a difference by sponsoring a student or contributing funds to help bring their wishes to life.

See below for details on how you can help.