Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce the sheriff’s office collected more than 1,300 donations including more than $3,700 in gift cards, during the agency’s second annual holiday toy drive.

Following the agency’s relocation into a new Sarasota headquarters in 2017, the sheriff’s office utilized the lobby to place a tree delivered by Sarasota Boy Scout Troop 23 as a location to collect toys for children ranging from newborn to 18 years old. The toy drive lasted for two weeks and brought in donations from employees and community members alike. On Monday, deputies delivered 1,365 gifts including $3,755 in gift cards, to the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem offices in downtown Sarasota. Over the next few days, guardians will deliver toys to the more than 1,500 children from throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

“This is a phenomenal day for the Sarasota County community,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “The outpouring of support for this initiative speaks volumes about the kinds of people who work, live and visit here. We feel so fortunate to be an avenue for philanthropic citizens who want to give back. Great work, Sarasota County!”

 “We are so thrilled to be blessed by this donation,” said Guardian Ad Litem Circuit Director Toni Latortue. “Hundreds of children will have a brighter holiday thanks to the generous donations of our community. Special thanks to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for spearheading this effort.”