Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office

Nearly 3,000 gifts were presented to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in the first 15 days of December, a record for the law-enforcement agency’s ninth annual toy drive.

Citizens, businesses, staff of the sheriff’s department and others donated toys and gift cards to benefit the children enrolled in the 12th Judicial Circuit’s Guardian Ad Litem program, Sarasota Teen Court and the All-Star Children’s Foundation. The 2,950 gifts benefit children ranging from infancy to 18 years in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

Image courtesy of Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

The merchandise was distributed last week.

“It’s always a great day at the sheriff’s office when we have the opportunity to collect and distribute Christmas gifts to the children in our community,’’ said Sheriff Kurt Hoffman. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by our community. Your kindness and willingness to give back make a real difference in the lives of others.”