Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the results of the agency’s fifth annual holiday toy drive.

From December 1 through December 12, employees, local businesses, and citizens brought toys and gift cards to the agency’s headquarters to benefit children enrolled in the 12th Judicial Circuit’s 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 2020, the sheriff’s office donated 3,608 toys including $11,340 in gift cards. This year, the agency again surpassed its previous contribution by collecting 3,835 gifts including $12,005 in gift cards. On Friday, sheriff’s office personnel made the official delivery to the GAL offices, where over the next several days, guardians will select individual gifts for children in their care.

“After another tough year, we are delighted to deliver even more gifts to deserving children in our community,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “It’s amazing to see how this initiative has grown each year, which would not be possible without the continued support of citizens and employees alike.”

This year’s initiative was supported by significant financial contributions made by US Health Advisors GP Region, Pamaro Shop Furniture in Sarasota, and Janice Farber. Special thanks to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department and Sam’s Club Cattlemen for their support.