Thanksgiving donations sought for first responders

Crestview residents Cassey and Jaedyn Williams are accepting donations to provide Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 23 to local first responder stations and offices. Special to the News Bulletin

CRESTVIEW — Cassey Williams and her son Jaedyn want to honor first responders in Crestview with Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 23.

Cassey Williams said when she told her son she wouldn't have to work on Thanksgiving Day, unlike the last four years, he "was very excited … Jae made the suggestion that we bring homemade, Thanksgiving food to the first responders. I think it's an amazing idea," she said.

The Williams family will shop for food and items needed to make dinner for first responders at the three fire stations, Crestview Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in Crestview on Nov. 21, and deliver them Wednesday.

They accept food, cooked or uncooked, and monetary donations to complete the service.

"We have one turkey, but we hope to get four more turkeys to be able to donate one to each station," Cassey said.

"We need to show unity, and just how thankful we are for the men and women who give up holidays with their families, to help and protect us!" Cassey Davis said.

Jaedyn's generosity doesn't end with the Thanksgiving dinners. Over the past few years, he has collected donations of toys, money and items for premature babies at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. 

To donate to the Thanksgiving or other causes, email bethechange_jae@yahoo.com or look up "be the change jae" on Facebook.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article included an incorrect last name. We've updated the article. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thanksgiving donations sought for first responders