After the devastating impacts to Manatee County brought on by the back-to-back destruction unleashed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Bishop-Parker Foundation has announced a $100,000 contribution to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing to be directed to Manatee County residents in need. Many whose jobs have been disrupted, and others who face unexpected damage repair payments—or down payments on new lease agreements—may be financially strained, unable to afford basic necessities. Season of Sharing was initially conceived nearly 25 years ago to help people in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties rebound from setbacks with dignity. All gifts to Season of Sharing are distributed to those in need in our four-county region and may be used for rent or mortgage assistance, utility bills, childcare, transportation, or other crucial expenses to help families restore a sense of security when it is needed most urgently. Every dollar contributed to Season of Sharing goes to those in need, with no administrative costs, so donors are assured that their gift makes the greatest impact. The 25th annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign this year was activated in the wake of Hurricane Helene, more than a month earlier than it typically does each year, to help the thousands of lives disrupted by the damage of that unprecedented storm surge on our coastal communities. Hurricane Milton, with more widespread impacts, has only compounded the needs of our communities. Manatee County was especially hard hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with some neighborhoods destroyed, prompting new restrictions on rebuilding that comply with new FEMA guidelines, leaving many without the option of repairing or rebuilding their homes. Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $350 million in damage to property and climbing, according to reporting in The Observer, while Milton caused another $250 million in damage to homes and businesses, according to early estimates reported in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Donations to Season of Sharing can be made online at cfsarasota.org/donors/support-our-community#donate or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible, with every dollar going directly toward our region’s needs.