12/05/2025
12 Lights of Hope on Hatteras Island
We are Christmas people.
The lights and decorations, the snacks and steamy hot chocolate, and of course, Santa! But what we really love is the joy of Christmas. The spirit of togetherness and hope, giving and caring, really loving our neighbors.
Last year we took a year off to reset, but our team looks forward to the Hatteras Village Christmas Parade every year. Kids and spectators from all over the island line the streets to collect candy, watch the floats, and get a glimpse of the big man in red as he rides down 12 on the Hatteras Village firetruck. It’s an island-wide event where you really get a sense of this community.
Finding a theme is always something we toss around for weeks. We’ve dressed as our staff as everything from the Whos from Whoville to Barbie and Ken to Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! But this year hit different. 2025 has been met with some very real challenges, both on Hatteras Island and all around the world. We won’t elaborate on that here, because that’s not the focus, but it was our inspiration. Looking around at one another, we realized that we wanted to take our moment and flip the script back to what this season and our community are all about. We want to spread the spirit of Christmas. Thus, our theme, “Celebrating the 12 Lights of Hope on Hatteras Island”, was born.
We know this is not a comprehensive list. More than once we’ve said, “it takes a village”. The reality is it takes a whole island! This place is pretty magical and that doesn’t just happen without salt of the Earth people doing their thing. As such, we decided to keep the criteria pretty light. Whether nonprofit or government, volunteer-run or professionally staffed, each plays a vital role. Their missions may differ, but what unites them is that they help the island weather the storms keeping us safe, supported, and strong. It was hard to narrow down this list, but we do not have a hard time celebrating this crew of 12 lights—they’re truly spectacular in all that they do!
We opted to share our float theme early in order to help these lights shine brighter, revealing one light per day on our social media accounts. Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram, or read more about the 12 Lights of Hope on Hatteras Island below.
Midgett Realty’s 12 Lights of Hope on Hatteras Island
1. Outer Banks Forever
We love our park! And our rangers! And the volunteers that keep our park protected! Outer Banks Forever is the official nonprofit partner of the three Outer Banks national parks: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial. Bridging the gaps between budget cuts and increasing challenges during a time when our parks continue to see high levels of visitors, Outer Banks Forever is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing these treasured places, working to ensure that future generations can experience the same natural beauty and rich history that make the Outer Banks so special today. Through fundraising, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement, Outer Banks Forever supports vital projects like habitat restoration, educational programs, and historical preservation efforts. Its work is essential in maintaining the balance between conservation and accessibility, helping visitors connect more deeply with the stories and landscapes that define this remarkable stretch of the North Carolina coast.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
2. Outer Banks Hotline Crisis Intervention and Prevention Center
The Outer Banks Hotline is a vital community resource dedicated to providing safety, support, and advocacy for individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or crisis situations. As part of the Outer Banks Hotline network, the Hatteras Island branch offers confidential services including a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy to help survivors rebuild their lives in a secure and compassionate environment. Beyond crisis response, the organization plays a key role in community education, working to raise awareness about healthy relationships and prevention. Its presence on Hatteras Island ensures that even in a small, close-knit community, anyone in need has access to immediate, professional help and a path toward healing and empowerment.
Outer Banks Hotline South located Frisco, NC
3. Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF)
The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF) is a dedicated local organization committed to supporting individuals and families on Hatteras Island affected by cancer. Serving as a vital resource in the community, HICF provides financial assistance, educational programs, and emotional support to help ease the burden of diagnosis and treatment. Beyond direct aid, the foundation fosters awareness and prevention initiatives, ensuring that residents have access to vital information and resources. Through fundraising events, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts, HICF plays an essential role in uniting Hatteras Island neighbors to offer hope, care, and resilience to those facing cancer.
Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation
4. Hatteras Island Meals (HIM) / Cape Hatteras Food Pantry
Hatteras Island Meals is a volunteer-run nonprofit that delivers nutritious lunches to homebound residents, seniors, and anyone recovering from illness who cannot prepare meals on their own. Operating Monday through Friday, the program provides both food and regular personal contact, helping vulnerable neighbors remain safe, supported, and connected while living independently at home.
The Cape Hatteras Food Pantry, recently taken over by HIM in an effort to expand their mission beyond meal delivery to include a broader food assistance program, offers essential groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Located at the United Methodist Church in Buxton, it allows residents to “shop” for the items they need most and serves hundreds of people each month.
Together, these two programs provide crucial nourishment and a vital safety net for the island’s most vulnerable community members, ensuring that no one on Hatteras Island goes without access to healthy food or compassionate support.
Cape Hatteras Food Pantry
5. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC)
The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) is the primary provider of electricity for residents, businesses, and visitors across Hatteras Island. As a member-owned cooperative, CHEC is committed to delivering reliable, safe, and affordable energy while fostering sustainability and community growth. Beyond keeping the lights on, the cooperative plays a vital role in supporting local development, emergency preparedness, and energy education programs. By investing in infrastructure, modern technology, and community initiatives, CHEC helps ensure that Hatteras Island remains a vibrant and connected place to live, work, and visit. One thing that all islanders can say is WE LOVE OUR LINEMEN!
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Linemen
6. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plays a critical role in keeping Hatteras Island connected and accessible. Responsible for maintaining and improving the island’s roads, bridges, and ferry systems, NCDOT ensures safe and reliable transportation for residents, businesses, and visitors. Their work includes seasonal preparations for storm impacts, managing traffic flow, and supporting evacuation routes when needed. By investing in infrastructure and transportation services, NCDOT helps sustain the daily life, economy, and resilience of the Hatteras Island community.
NCDOT on NC 12 South
7. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) plays a vital role in protecting the waters and communities of Hatteras Island. Stationed locally, they provide maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement, ensuring that residents, fishermen, and visitors can safely navigate the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and sounds. Beyond emergency response, the Coast Guard supports environmental protection, navigational aid maintenance, and community outreach, helping to safeguard both people and the delicate coastal ecosystem. Their presence is essential to the safety, security, and resilience of Hatteras Island.
US Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet at Day at the Docks
8. Radio Hatteras
Radio Hatteras is Hatteras Island’s local public radio station, serving as a vital source of news, information, and entertainment for the community. Dedicated to keeping residents and visitors informed, the station broadcasts island-specific updates on weather, local events, public safety, and island news, often playing a key role during emergencies and storm conditions. Beyond news, Radio Hatteras celebrates island culture, music, and stories, connecting the community and fostering a sense of shared identity. By providing reliable information and a platform for local voices, Radio Hatteras helps keep the island informed, engaged, and connected.
Radio Hatteras
9. Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS)
The Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS) is a volunteer-based emergency medical service dedicated to protecting the health and safety of the Hatteras Island community. Responding to medical emergencies, accidents, and urgent calls, HIRS provides critical pre-hospital care and rapid transport to medical facilities when needed. Beyond emergency response, the squad engages in community education, first aid training, and public safety initiatives to promote wellness and preparedness. Through their tireless service, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad plays an essential role in safeguarding lives and supporting the resilience of the island community.
Hatteras Island Rescue Squad
Hatteras Island Rescue Squad
10. Hatteras Island’s Firefighters
Hatteras Island’s volunteer fire departments are essential pillars of safety and service across the island’s villages. Staffed almost entirely by trained volunteers, these departments respond to fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, storm-related emergencies, and other critical incidents at a moment’s notice. Beyond emergency response, they play a key role in fire prevention, community education, and preparedness efforts, helping residents and visitors stay informed and protected. Their dedication, skill, and community commitment ensure that even in the most challenging conditions, Hatteras Island remains safe, supported, and resilient, and that is why we are celebrating these brave men and women as one of the “12 Lights of Hope on Hatteras Island”.
Hatteras Island Volunteer Firefighters
Hatteras Island Volunteer Firefighters
11. Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund
The Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund is a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for young people across the island. Through grants, fundraising, and partnerships with local schools, the fund helps provide resources that enrich student learning—whether through classroom materials, extracurricular programs, field trips, or innovative projects that might otherwise go unfunded.
Its importance on Hatteras Island is substantial: by investing directly in the island’s youth, the fund strengthens the foundation of the community, helps ensure equal access to enriching experiences, and empowers the next generation of islanders to learn, grow, and thrive in a unique coastal environment.
Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund
12. Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc
Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and release of injured, orphaned, and ill wildlife on Hatteras Island. Staffed solely by trained volunteers and supported by community donations, the group works tirelessly to protect the island’s native species and preserve its fragile coastal ecosystem. In addition to hands-on animal care, Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation provides public education about local wildlife, conservation, and coexistence with nature. Through compassion and expertise, the organization plays an essential role in maintaining the natural balance and beauty of Hatteras Island.
Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation
