As public servants, city of St. Cloud officials and employees have taken on the duty of serving their community.

As the holiday season approaches every year, the desire to help out within the community grows even more. City officials, employees, and volunteers have outdone themselves this year, with more projects than ever to help make this a happier holiday season for many St. Cloud residents, according to a city press release. Efforts included:

St. Cloud Fire Rescue (SCFR) Toy Drive

Fire Rescue collected new toys, clothing and canned goods. Throughout the years, many local families have benefitted from these efforts. This year’s drive began Oct. 26 and ended Dec. 23. City officials and employees, many local businesses, Jade Isle Mobile Home Park, Sugarmill Mobile Home Park, Mark Mobile Home Park, Boy Scout Troop 9, and Osceola Airboat Association went the extra mile to make this holiday season one of the best in St. Cloud.

Mayor and City Council Spaghetti Dinner Foodraiser/Fundraiser

This event was held Oct. 26 at the St. Cloud Senior Center and brought the St. Cloud Community Food Pantry a van full of nonperishable food items and a total of $1,419 in donations.

Public Services Sports Jersey Day and Competition

Employees donated a minimum of $5 to wear their favorite sports team jersey to work Nov. 5 and to compete to have their favorite team declared the winners to have City Manager Tom Hurt wear their winning team’s jersey for a day. The competition ended in a tie between the Florida State Seminoles and the University of Florida Gators. A total of $800 was collected; $400 for Christmas for the Kids Osceola, Inc. and $400 for the SCFR Toy Drive.

Senior Santa Program

City of St. Cloud joined Osceola Council on Aging’s efforts Nov. 15 to help ensure that every senior citizen in Osceola County receives an invitation and transportation to the Senior Santa Holiday Party, which includes dinner, decorations, entertainment, party favors, and a gift. Senior citizens who are homebound receive a dinner, gift, party favors and the company of a volunteer on Christmas Day. Donations for the Senior Santa program are accepted until Dec. 31. An information/donation packet may be picked up at St. Cloud City Hall, Building A, first level.  

Community Thanksgiving

Coordinated by Parks and Recreation staff, the 21st Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration was held on Nov. 17 at the Civic Center and about 200 people joined with families, friends and neighbors to celebrate the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Many bags of nonperishable food items were collected for the St. Cloud Community Food Pantry.

Tree LightingCeremony

Parks and Recreation staff presented its 21st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 30 at City Hall. Many enjoyed games, crafts, a concession area, an artificial-snow play area, Christmas musical entertainment, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Christmas Parade Food Drive

St. Cloud Mayor Rebecca Borders joined in the efforts of this community-wide project to help collect donated nonperishable food items during the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Dec. 1. First Baptist Church of St. Cloud organized the event and many local businesses, churches, and organizations joined in the efforts. About a ton and a half of food items were donated to St. Cloud Community Food Pantry.

Public Services Bake Sale

City employees baked, donated, and purchased baked goods Dec. 12 at City Hall.

A total of $473.65 was donated to St. Cloud Community Food Pantry.

St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD) Shop with a Cop

SCPD partnered with St. Cloud’s Walmart for the “Shop with a Cop” Program.

With more than $4000 donated this year, officers and children enjoyed a holiday shopping experience Dec. 12.

Local businesses Shamrock Auto Body Shop, Soldier City Saloon, St. Cloud Printing, and Morse Market helped Shop with a Cop to take place this year.

City Employee Holiday Luncheon

Coordinated by Parks and Recreation staff Dec. 14, City officials and employees continued their holiday spirit by donating unwrapped toys and nonperishable food items for the SCFR Toy Drive.