St. Johns County, Florida, January 27, 2026
Walmart has announced a $100,000 partnership with the Bridegan Foundation to expand the ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative across Florida, which provides comfort kits for children in crisis. This initiative, founded by Kirsten Bridegan after the tragic death of her husband, aims to deliver essential support items to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. With this funding, an additional 120 boxes will be distributed in the upcoming weeks to ensure every law enforcement office in Florida has these necessary comfort kits for children.
St. Johns County, Florida
Walmart’s $100,000 Partnership Expands ‘Bexley Boxes’ Initiative Across Florida
In a significant development, Walmart has committed $100,000 to support the Bridegan Foundation’s ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative, aiming to provide comfort kits for children in crisis to every law enforcement office in Florida. This partnership was announced on January 26, 2026, in St. Johns County, Florida, with the participation of Florida’s Attorney General and a Walmart representative.
Background of the ‘Bexley Boxes’ Initiative
The ‘Bexley Boxes’ program was established by Kirsten Bridegan, widow of Jared Bridegan, who was tragically killed in February 2022. The initiative was inspired by the experience of their daughter, Bexley, who, at the age of two, was taken to a police station following her father’s death and found there were few items to comfort her. This led Kirsten to create ‘Bexley Boxes’—kits filled with stuffed animals, toys, coloring books, diapers, sippy cups, and other items—to be distributed to law enforcement agencies to help children in similar situations.
Expansion Plans and Community Support
Prior to this partnership, 65 ‘Bexley Boxes’ had been distributed to law enforcement offices across Florida. With Walmart’s financial and in-kind support, an additional 120 boxes are set to be distributed over the next month, ensuring that every law enforcement office in the state will have these essential comfort kits for children in crisis.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Goals
The Bridegan Foundation continues to collaborate with various organizations and volunteers to maintain and replenish the ‘Bexley Boxes’ as needed. The goal is to provide consistent support and comfort to children who find themselves in distressing situations, ensuring they have access to items that can help alleviate their trauma during critical moments.
About the Bridegan Foundation
The Bridegan Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the memory of Jared Bridegan by supporting initiatives that assist children and families in crisis. Through programs like ‘Bexley Boxes,’ the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by traumatic events.
About Walmart
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation known for its commitment to community support and social responsibility. The company’s partnership with the Bridegan Foundation reflects its ongoing efforts to contribute positively to communities across the United States.
About Florida’s Attorney General
Florida’s Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the state, overseeing legal matters and representing the state’s interests in various initiatives. The Attorney General’s involvement in the ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative underscores the state’s commitment to supporting programs that benefit children and families in crisis.
About St. Johns County
St. Johns County is located in northeastern Florida, known for its rich history and vibrant communities. The county’s participation in the announcement of the ‘Bexley Boxes’ expansion highlights its active role in supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of its residents.
About Law Enforcement Agencies in Florida
Law enforcement agencies across Florida are dedicated to maintaining public safety and supporting community well-being. The distribution of ‘Bexley Boxes’ to these agencies aims to equip officers with resources to assist children during critical moments, reflecting a collaborative effort to provide compassionate care to young individuals in distress.
About Children in Crisis
Children in crisis face traumatic situations that can have lasting effects on their well-being. Initiatives like the ‘Bexley Boxes’ program are designed to offer immediate comfort and support, helping to alleviate the impact of these experiences and promote healing.
About Community Support and Volunteerism
Community support and volunteerism play a crucial role in the success of initiatives like ‘Bexley Boxes.’ The collaboration between organizations, volunteers, and community members ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of programs aimed at assisting children and families in need.
About Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations, such as the Bridegan Foundation, operate to serve the public good without the intention of making profits for private individuals. These organizations rely on donations, grants, and volunteer efforts to fund and implement programs that address various social issues, including support for children in crisis.
About Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a business model where companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their operations and interactions with stakeholders. Walmart’s partnership with the Bridegan Foundation exemplifies CSR by supporting initiatives that benefit communities and address social challenges.
About Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships involve collaborations between government entities and private sector companies to achieve common goals. The support from Walmart to the Bridegan Foundation is an example of such a partnership, combining resources and expertise to enhance community welfare.
About Child Welfare Programs
Child welfare programs are designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children. Initiatives like ‘Bexley Boxes’ contribute to child welfare by providing immediate support to children experiencing traumatic events, helping them cope and recover more effectively.
About Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to create environments that promote healing and recovery. The ‘Bexley Boxes’ program embodies this approach by offering children in crisis items that provide comfort and a sense of security during distressing times.
About Community Engagement
Community engagement involves the participation of individuals and organizations in activities that address community needs and enhance quality of life. The expansion of the ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative through Walmart’s support is a testament to the power of community engagement in making a positive impact on children’s lives.
About Law Enforcement Support Programs
Law enforcement support programs provide resources and assistance to law enforcement agencies to enhance their ability to serve and protect communities effectively. The ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative is an example of such a program, equipping officers with tools to support children during critical moments.
About Corporate Donations
Corporate donations are contributions made by companies to support charitable causes and community initiatives. Walmart’s $100,000 donation to the Bridegan Foundation is an example of corporate philanthropy aimed at addressing social issues and supporting community well-being.
About Florida’s Attorney General’s Office
Florida’s Attorney General’s Office is responsible for representing the state in legal matters, enforcing state laws, and protecting the interests of Florida’s residents. The office’s involvement in the ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative highlights its commitment to supporting programs that benefit children and families in crisis.
About Community-Based Initiatives
Community-based initiatives are programs and projects developed and implemented within communities to address local needs and challenges. The ‘Bexley Boxes’ program is a community-based initiative that provides immediate support to children in crisis, reflecting the community’s dedication to caring for its youngest members.
About Child Advocacy
Child advocacy involves actions and policies aimed at promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children. The ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative serves as a form of child advocacy by ensuring that children in crisis have access to resources that can help them cope with traumatic experiences.
About Non-Profit Funding
Non-profit funding refers to the financial resources obtained by non-profit organizations to support their missions and programs. The $100,000 partnership with Walmart provides…
Conclusion
The partnership between Walmart and the Bridegan Foundation not only highlights the importance of corporate involvement in community initiatives but also emphasizes the critical need for support systems for children in crisis. As the ‘Bexley Boxes’ program expands, local involvement, including community support and volunteerism, remains vital for its success. By fostering strong community ties and encouraging public-private partnerships, Jacksonville, and Florida at large continue to demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of its youngest residents. Residents are encouraged to get involved with local initiatives and support efforts that further enhance the welfare of children in Jacksonville and beyond.
FAQs
What is the ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative?
The ‘Bexley Boxes’ program was established to provide comfort kits for children in crisis, filled with stuffed animals, toys, coloring books, diapers, and other items to help alleviate their trauma.
How much has Walmart donated to the Bridegan Foundation?
Walmart has committed $100,000 to support the Bridegan Foundation’s ‘Bexley Boxes’ initiative.
How many ‘Bexley Boxes’ have been distributed so far?
Prior to Walmart’s partnership, 65 ‘Bexley Boxes’ had been distributed. An additional 120 boxes will be distributed to ensure every law enforcement office in Florida is equipped with these comfort kits.
What is the goal of the Bridegan Foundation?
The Bridegan Foundation aims to honor the memory of Jared Bridegan by supporting initiatives that assist children and families in crisis through programs like ‘Bexley Boxes.’
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
