For nearly a decade, Martial Arts America and Flippin’ Out Gymnastics have helped bring the joy of Christmas to hundreds of children across Northwest Florida through Operation Santa.

Each year, their students, families and staff come together to shop for kids involved in child protective services, helping ensure holiday magic for those in need.

Their continued involvement reflects a culture built on generosity, encouragement and showing young people how to care for others.

Rooted in giving back

For Laney DuFour, manager of the Flippin’ Out Gymnastics Milton office, giving back is part of the culture she grew up with. She first came to the program as a child, before growing into coaching students and eventually moving into management. Today, she helps carry forward the same spirit of community that shaped her own experience.

“A lot of what we try to instill in the kids is being good athletes on and off the mat,” Laney said. “Being an athlete involves being a good person. Being able to give back, have kindness and generosity, and help others brings all of that together.”

Through programs that teach focus, discipline, manners and life skills, students learn more than gymnastics or martial arts. They learn the importance of supporting others, while seeing that lesson modeled by the adults around them.

A tradition families look forward to

Operation Santa has become an annual tradition for the families involved in Flippin’ Out Gymnastics and Martial Arts America. Laney said the Christmas trees go up before Thanksgiving, and once the gift tags arrive, parents are quick to participate.

“Our parents are so excited,” she said. “Our parents look forward to it every year. As soon as we get those tags, they get snatched off the tree!”

Some parents pick up multiple tags. Others bring in money and ask staff to shop on their behalf. Businesses connected to program families also join in, extending the impact beyond the gym and studio walls.

Even during years when families face financial pressure of their own, Laney said their generosity continues to stand out.

Kids helping kids

For Laney and her team, supporting Operation Santa is especially meaningful because it gives children the chance to help other children in their own community.

“The kids being able to lend a helping hand — the kids get excited for Christmas,” Laney said. “It’s very exciting to see the kids excited to give back.”

She said older students often understand that the gifts are going to children nearby, children who may attend their own schools or share similar experiences. That local connection makes the effort feel personal.

Trusting the mission

With many holiday toy drives available, Laney said her team continues to support FamiliesFirst Network because they trust the gifts will reach children who need them.

“We know that Operation Santa truly gives back to the kids in our community,” she said. “Knowing that these gifts actually reach those they’re intended to help is so important.”

Helping children feel seen

FamiliesFirst Network provides child protective services and case management for children across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties, helping connect children and families with safety, stability and support.

Operation Santa extends that mission by collecting gifts based on children’s needs and wishes, helping ensure each child feels remembered by their community.

For partners like Laney and the families she serves, that mission is worth supporting year after year.

“It’s nice to see that the parents are still putting forth to other people,” Laney said. “The parents really do care, and they get involved.”

Join local partners in making a difference for children and families across Northwest Florida by supporting Operation Santa today.