Colonel Kurt A. Hoffman and GAL Circuit Director Toni Latortue joined by sheriff’s office members and GAL employees Thursday afternoon following the donation.

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce the results of the agency’s fourth annual holiday toy drive.

 

From December 1 through December 15, employees, local businesses, and citizens brought toys and gift cards to the agency’s headquarters to benefit children enrolled in the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) program. Gifts were selected for children ranging from newborn to 18 years old, who reside in Sarasota, Manatee or Desoto counties, and have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. In 2019, the sheriff’s office donated 1,453 toys including $4,120 in gift cards. This year, the agency more than doubled their contribution after collecting 3,608 toys and $11,340 in gift cards. On Thursday afternoon, agency members made the official delivery to the GAL offices, where over the next several days, guardians will select individual gifts for children in their care.

 

“We really had no idea what to expect this year in terms of support,” commented Colonel Kurt A. Hoffman. “With people losing their jobs and businesses shut down due to COVID-19, our goal was simply to match last year’s numbers. You can imagine our surprise when we counted the toys and realized we more than doubled last year’s donation. I think this speaks to the Sarasota County community and how, no matter the circumstance, we are always ready to help one another.”

 

This year’s initiative was supported by a significant financial contribution made by US Health Advisors in Sarasota. Special thanks to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department, Home Depot Cattlemen and Sam’s Club Cattlemen for their support.