MIDSOUTH BANK Fort Walton Beach hosts toy collection event

December 12, 2025

A decorated Christmas tree stands indoors with gifts, toys, and bikes at its base. People, some dressed in festive costumes, gather around tables in the background, celebrating a holiday event.

!MIDSOUTH BANK Fort Walton Beach hosts toy collection event

By David Triana

MidSouth Bank’s Fort Walton Beach branch not only exemplifies the company’s slogan – “The friendliest and most helpful bank in town”, they are also, in my personal opinion, the most generous bank in our region!

The image shows the MidSouth Bank logo with the name "MidSouth Bank" written in bold, blue capital letters on a white background.

Almost on a monthly basis, they host events that benefit a variety of non-profit organizations and worthy cases.  Their events are varied, fun, and more importantly, promote and raise funds on behalf of local non-profit organizations.  Their events have included a Chili for a Cause contest to benefit One Hopeful Place (OHP).  OHP provides transitional housing and emergency shelter services to unhoused individuals.   Another event was a Luau Lunch benefitting the A Bed 4 Me Foundation.  A Bed 4 Me provides beds for children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor or inadequate spaces.

On December 12, 2025, the bank hosted a Taco Fiesta to benefit the 21st Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Fiesta organized by United for a Good Cause Inc.  The Fiesta is an everything is free to all that attend six hour party for low-income kids and families from the region.  For information about the fiesta, go to:  www.unitedforagoodcause.org.

Three adults pose and smile at a holiday gathering; one woman wears a festive red Santa coat, the man wears a maroon sweater, and the other woman wears a red “Bright” sweater. People and holiday decorations are visible in the background.
A decorated Christmas tree stands indoors with gifts, toys, and bikes at its base. People, some dressed in festive costumes, gather around tables in the background, celebrating a holiday event.
Two women in festive holiday outfits pose in front of a decorated Christmas tree with gifts and toys beneath it. Other people, holiday decorations, and an office setting are visible in the background.

The Taco Fiesta collected toys, bikes and monetary donations and also consisted of a Best Tasting Taco competition featured donated tacos from Fort Walton Beach establishments including Taco Bravo Food Truck, El Torreonense Latin Store, and Sabor a Mexico restaurant.  See below for their addresses.

The participants supported this good cause by donating varied taco meats such as Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Birria, Carnitas and other favorites from their locations.   MidSouth Bank personnel provided desserts like Tres Leches, Flan, delicious cookies and nachos! 

The winner of the Best Tasting Tacos was TACO BRAVO FOOD TRUCK!

The attendees included students and staff from the Advanced Sacred Hope Autism Academy who enjoyed a piñata breaking and arts and crafts activities.  Many locals from the community stopped by with donations and everyone also got a chance to take pictures with Santa!

Christmas is the Season of Generosity and that was in full display today at this MidSouth Bank event. 

Visit these generous businesses and enjoy their delicious Mexican menus!

El Torreonense: 298 Eglin Parkway NE | 850-314-9500

Sabor a México: 13 Eglin Parkway NE   | 850-243-3331

Taco Bravo:  21 Miracle Strip Parkway   I 850-240-2136

A decorated Christmas tree stands indoors with gifts, toys, and bikes at its base. People, some dressed in festive costumes, gather around tables in the background, celebrating a holiday event.
Three adults pose and smile at a holiday gathering; one woman wears a festive red Santa coat, the man wears a maroon sweater, and the other woman wears a red “Bright” sweater. People and holiday decorations are visible in the background.
Two women in festive holiday sweaters stand in front of a decorated Christmas tree and a collection of toys and gifts, inside a brightly lit room with more people and decorations in the background.
A decorated Christmas tree stands near tables filled with toys and gifts. People, some dressed in festive holiday outfits, are shopping or organizing items in a brightly lit indoor space.
A smiling woman kneels beside a Christmas tree decorated with blue ornaments, holding a black bicycle helmet. Gifts, including helmets, toys, and a bicycle, are arranged around the tree. Other people stand in the background.
A group of students and adults pose indoors with Santa Claus in front of a decorated Christmas tree and festive backdrop. Most people are smiling and wearing casual or holiday-themed clothes.
Five people pose indoors; one dressed as Santa sits in a chair, while the others—wearing festive holiday outfits and hats—stand around him, smiling. A green holiday-themed backdrop is behind them.
A group of people, including someone dressed as Santa, stand and kneel around a decorated Christmas tree with gifts and toys underneath. They are smiling and posing cheerfully in a festive indoor setting.
The image shows the MidSouth Bank logo with the name "MidSouth Bank" written in bold, blue capital letters on a white background.