Local nonprofit Flagler Cares announced its third annual ‘Keep the Holiday Lights On’ campaign in a release distributed to local media on Thursday. The initiative seeks to provide assistance with local families’ utility bills during the holiday season.
The aim of ‘Keep the Holiday Lights On’ is to provide $100 of utility bill assistance to 100 homes. These contributions would help households pay for their water and utility bills. As temperatures drop in the winter months, some residents without adequate heating wind up in places like the county-coordinated cold weather shelter.
Flagler County Residents in Need
Data shows an alarmingly high number of households in Flagler County are in positions of need when it comes to basic needs such as utilities. According to 2024 data from United for ALICE, 44% of households in the county are below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold.
This designation means one of two things: the household is living in poverty, or has employment but is struggling to afford basic needs. “For these households, an unexpected expense or higher utility bill can create difficult choices between essential needs,” Flagler Cares says in their release.
“This campaign is about more than paying a utility bill—it’s about giving our neighbors breathing room during a time of year when no one should have to worry about keeping the lights on,” said Flagler Cares CEO Carrie Baird. “We know our community cares deeply for one another, and this is a meaningful way to turn that compassion into action.”
How to Support or Receive Assistance
From now through December 31, donations are being accepted at www.flaglercares.org/holiday. Those who wish to make donations with checks are also encouraged to do so at Flagler Cares’ physical location (160 Cypress Point Pkwy Ste B302, Palm Coast, FL 32164) in person or by mail. As homes are sponsored, donors will be able to see the progress of how many homes are lit up by the total contributions.
Those who are in need of assistance with their utility bills will have the opportunity to apply to the program beginning on December 1. They can do so at the same web address where donations are accepted.
Flagler Cares offers more information on ‘Keep the Holiday Lights On’ and how to sponsor a home is available online or by calling (386) 319-9483, ext. 7.
