From Wish Lists to Wrapped Gifts: Health First Associates Make Holidays Brighter
By Space Coast Daily // December 2, 2025
Health First associates played their part in spreading holiday cheer Dec. 2 at Super Target in Viera
WATCH: About 30 Health First associates – many decked out in holiday garb – played their part in spreading holiday cheer on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Super Target in Viera.
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Nearly 1 in 3 families is unable to weather a $400 emergency. Over a third face food insecurity. Now in its 13th year, Health First’s toy drive is helping those struggling to bring joy to more than 100 children.
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – It’s not so much about the gifts. It’s about building healthy communities, one family at a time.
That’s how Phil Scarpelli, president and CEO of Family Partnerships of Central Florida, sees the annual Health First Holiday Toy Drive, now in its 13th year.
“We’re healing a generation of children, of family,” Scarpelli said to the volunteer shoppers who were gathered before the shopping began. “You’re doing that with this. We’re so grateful.”
About 30 Health First associates – many decked out in holiday garb – played their part in spreading holiday cheer on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Super Target in Viera.
Armed with wish lists affixed to colorful index cards, each associate shopper carefully combed store aisles and shelves, looking for the perfect gifts for local children whose families are struggling financially. Gifts purchased by Health First will be provided to families identified through Brevard Family Partnership.
Terry Forde, President and CEO of Health First, said the yearly event circles back to Health First’s purpose – advancing the wellness and health of the Brevard community.
“Over 2,500 children across all of our county felt the impact of what we’ve done,” Forde said of the cumulative effect since the drive began. “This morning, we’re helping fulfill the holiday wish list for 100.”
This year, the need is greater than ever. According to the 2025 Brevard County Community Health Needs Assessment, nearly 30% of local families cannot afford a $400 emergency expense without going into debt.
More than 40% worry about paying for housing, and over one-third are food insecure. Financial hardship is especially acute for families with children, renters and those with low incomes.
The holidays are no exception – and even ramp up financial stressors for families hoping to provide gifts to their children.
For Bianca Blackwood, Clinical Risk Manager, Health First, the event felt personal.
“I grew up in a family that have adopted kids, and so I know the struggles – when Christmas morning comes, and there’s no Christmas gifts under the tree for these kids that are innocent,” Blackwood said. “I get satisfaction knowing that I’m making a difference for kids for Christmas.”
So did plenty of others.
Jason Drouin, an IT Field Service Lead with Health First, was scouring the shelves for the perfect Lego set for an 8-year-old boy.
“A lot of his list is Legos,” Drouin said. “So we’re really trying to hit the Legos for him today.”
Drouin said giving back to the community has always been a passion of his.
“Sometimes you just have no control over it,” he said of those facing financial challenges. “Just being able to give back really, really touches my heart.”
Forde, prior to the event, said Health First associates are proud to help make the holidays a little easier for those who need help the most.
“Every child deserves to experience the joy of the holidays,” Forde said prior to the event. “This event is about hope, compassion and coming together as a community.”
