While Project PRIDE SRQ continues its ongoing mission to celebrate, unite and support Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies, the organization is also doing more than its fair share of philanthropic endeavors by taking part in monthly "giving back" projects. "In our efforts to support the community, we create various outreach events which support local organizations," shares Katy McCurry, co-founder of Project Pride. "Our last outreach event donated four packed SUVs worth of collected food to Second Chance Last Opportunity in Newtown." And this week--as we hit record cold temperatures for the Gulf Coast--the members of Project Pride filled 100 bags of warm necessities for the homeless to be donated to the Streets of Paradise (SoP) for distribution. Serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Streets of Paradise's outreach and awareness initiatives provide comfort to the homeless and at-risk communities by donating basic supplies, facilitating access to rapid rehousing and other social services. The nonprofit is entirely funded by grants and private donations, and their entire budget is dedicated to street outreach and moving formerly homeless into a safe home. In keeping with a pride theme, the drawstring bags came in an array of rainbow colors--each one filled to encompass toiletry kits, winter hats, gloves, crew socks and more. "Project PRIDE SRQ is honored to do this work for our community while promoting visibility for the LGBTQ+ community," says McCurry.

If you would like to participate or schedule an outreach event for your organization, contact Project Pride's Outreach Director, Arthur Boyce at arthur6600@aol.com. If you'd like to donate supplies or funds to Streets of Paradise, head here. 

Photo courtesy of ProjectPRIDE