Sheriff’s Office Announces 8th Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

SCSO

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the sheriff’s office is hosting its 8^th Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the 12^th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, Teen Court of Sarasota, and All Star Children’s Foundation.

The toy drive has evolved into a holiday project the agency and Sarasota County citizens look forward to every year. Launched in 2017, the sheriff’s office has donated more than 15,000 gifts and $45,585 in gift cards with the assistance of agency members, residents, local businesses, and organizations. Working with the GAL program for the past seven years and partnering with Teen Court of Sarasota and All Star Children’s Foundation for the last two, children in Sarasota County have benefitted from this toy drive and the community has made it successful and helped it grow.

“Providing for these wonderful organizations and helping bring joy to children in our community is what the holiday season is all about!” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Each year we are happily surprised that the response gets bigger and bigger. Our community and our employees love to be part of this uplifting event!”

In Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties, there are currently more than 1,000 children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and as a result, are part of the GAL program. Teens enrolled in Teen Court are supported by the organization’s mission to create a second chance for at-risk youth, and helping them make positive choices through meaningful consequences, peer mentorship, and civic engagement. Finally, All Star Children’s Foundation exists to provide children in foster care with a secure environment where they feel valued, safe, and empowered.

The toy drive will provide for children ranging in age from newborn to 18 with a specific request for new, unwrapped toys and gift cards. We are unable to accept clothing or stuffed animals. The collection period begins Friday, November 29, and continues through Friday, December 13. New this year, residents can deliver gifts to two locations: the agency headquarters at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, seven days a week between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or the South County Office at 4531 Annex Road, Venice, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, toys and gift cards can be ordered and delivered from our Amazon Wishlist. Please follow our social media platforms for details.

Different from years past, the holiday Toy Drive does not coincide with the agency’s Annual Open House which will be moved to the spring of 2025.

A special thanks to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department who are continuing the annual tradition of generously donating our holiday tree to serve as the toy drive’s collection site.

For more information, contact the Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005.