Pictured: The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Toy Drive tree was delivered on Monday, December 2 to the SCSO Headquarters. Photo by Barbie Heit.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Toy Drive tree was delivered to the SCSO Headquarters at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard on Monday, December 2. This annual tradition serves as a collection point for thousands of toys and gifts, which will be distributed to children in need throughout the community. The Sheriff’s Office extends gratitude to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department for generously donating the tree once again this year.

With many families still displaced and living in temporary housing, this year’s toy drive is especially significant. If you would like to contribute, new, unwrapped toys or gift cards can be dropped off at either of the following locations: SCSO Headquarters at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd, Sarasota (open 7:00am to 7:00pm, seven days a week); South County Office at 4531 Annex Road, Venice (open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm) The drive will run through Friday, December 13.

The 8th Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefits the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, Teen Court of Sarasota, and the All Star Children’s Foundation. The drive aims to provide gifts for children ages newborn to 18, with a focus on new, unwrapped toys and gift cards. Please note that clothing and stuffed animals cannot be accepted.

“Providing for these wonderful organizations and helping bring joy to children in our community is what the holiday season is all about!” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Each year we are happily surprised that the response gets bigger and bigger. Our community and our employees love to be part of this uplifting event!”

This year, for added convenience, residents can also order and have gifts delivered directly from the Sheriff’s Office Amazon Wishlist. 

Pictured: The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Toy Drive tree was delivered on Monday, December 2 to the SCSO Headquarters. Photo by Barbie Heit.