It is often the work of angels that warms hearts and makes the holidays sweeter, bringing smiles, joy, hope and happiness to others. In Northeast Florida, those angels include the real estate professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

The company is well known for its charitable efforts and philanthropic giving throughout the year, including its partnership with Dreams Come True and the Jacksonville Jaguars and the company’s annual Backpack Challenge, which collects hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies prior to the start of the school year. The Northeast Florida real estate firm’s giving spirit is also strong during the holiday season.

“With the hustle-and-bustle of the busy holiday season, it is important to reflect on the many blessings we have in our lives,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “We have so much to be thankful for, and we are happy to support organizations that bring smiles and joy to those who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season.”

The spirit of giving is evident company-wide as each branch office selects non-profits or causes to devote time, talent or financial sponsorship. The following are some of the contributions and initiatives this holiday season:

Avondale/Ortega/San Marco/San Jose Offices – The associates at the Avondale/San Marco offices collect food and supplies during the holidays and throughout the year for local food banks. The office is sponsoring children for the holidays through Holiday Magic, an organization that supports children directly affected by or are infected with HIV/AIDs. Team members volunteer at numerous community holiday celebration events including Christmas in Avondale and Holiday Magic in San Marco.

Atlantic Beach/Intracoastal West/Southside Office – The company’s support of Dreams Come True extends beyond its Special Times partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Realtor Robbin Wilson spearheaded volunteers at numerous events, including the Color in Motion 5K and Make a Difference Day.
Corporate Office – The Corporate office is collecting toys and bicycles on behalf of Operation New Hope, a nationally recognized Jacksonville non-profit with a mission of rebuilding lives, restoring communities and renewing hope.

Fleming Island/Orange Park Office – Each year agents adopt a family during the holidays. With the help of a counselor at S. Bryan Jennings Elementary School, the agents are providing gifts for a brother and sister ages 7 and 5. The children live with their grandparents and only asked for a few items each, including pajamas.

“What a sweet family,” said Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island office. “We are so happy to deliver their Christmas wish list and a grocery gift card for their holiday meals.”

Mandarin/St. Johns Office – Associates in the Mandarin office assist the Mandarin Food Bank, collecting food and donations for its annual Christmas food giveaway. The Mandarin Food Bank provides emergency food and clothing to those in need.

Ponte Vedra/Nocatee Office – The agents at Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office are hosting a Christmas party fundraiser to benefit K9s for Warriors, a non-profit located in Ponte Vedra that provides and trains service dogs for military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities as a result of injuries incurred on duty.

St. Augustine Office – Giving is a tradition among associates in the St. Augustine office. As in past years, agents collected for Toys for Tots and the St. Francis House, which provides food and emergency shelter. The office raised money for Wreaths Across America and many associates attended the commemorative wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen veterans at the St. Augustine National Cemetery on Dec. 12.

It is these activities and others like them throughout the year that reflect the true collective heart of the team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

“One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves during the holiday season is making a positive difference in the lives of many local children and families,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “The holiday season serves as an important reminder of just how blessed we are, and our support of charitable initiatives reflects the true meaning of the season. We truly appreciate the support of our customers in these endeavors. It is amazing how a little effort makes such a large impact in others’ lives.”