SARASOTA – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will be helping Ol’ Saint Nick spread some holiday cheer with their annual holiday toy drive and reward the good boys and girls of the Suncoast.
Normally Sarasota County deputies would collect toys through their annual open house but the pandemic canceled the event, leaving deputies to rely on Suncoast residents to donate items through various toy drives held at the sheriff’s office.
Public Information Officer Kaitlyn Perez says they feared they wouldn’t get many donations due to families being hit rough financially because of the pandemic.
However, Perez says this year’s toy drive has been the largest toy drive they’ve seen with more than 2,500 toys donated.
“Us being able to give back in this way. It’s more than fulfilling – its really hard to describes to be quite honest with you,” said Perez. “We are honored that we have this opportunity to create memories and give these children just a little something this holiday season.”
The toys will be donated to more than 1,000 kids that are part of the Guardian Ad Litem Program this Thursday at noon.
