October 30, 2024
Season of Sharing: 25 years of neighbors helping neighbors
Categories: Season of Sharing,
As we navigate the historic aftermath of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, with images of destruction a new part of the local landscape, it can be easy to overlook the less visible ripples of disaster. While most of us think about roof damage or downed tree limbs, many of our neighbors face more subtle challenges: lost wages, unexpected child care costs, or vehicles damaged by floodwater.
These disasters have come on top of a housing and child care crisis that already puts many families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties on the economic edge, where disruptions can quickly spiral into financial crises.
This is where Season of Sharing shines, providing a time-tested and trusted safety net to help those who face serious economic peril. For 25 years, whether it’s a personal crisis or the aftermath of a storm that impacts our neighbors’ ability to make ends meet, Season of Sharing has been there to offer much-needed support.
Covering the expense of housing, utilities, car repairs and childcare, this assistance helps people avoid crippling economic calamities, making it possible to regain their footing.
And you can be a part of that, with a donation to Season of Sharing.
The unprecedented effects of three major storms have inspired major donors to step up and fortify the Season of Sharing fund, recognizing that its reliability and flexibility make it effective at providing emergency relief.
The Patterson Foundation generously donated $1 million, on top of its annual match of $100,000 for every $500,000 raised. The Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation provided another $500,000 in matching funds, and the Baltimore Orioles donated $250,000, with another $250,000 in matching funds. The Bishop-Parker Foundation contributed $100,000 to offer a lifeline to the hard-hit residents of Manatee County.
These generous donations are a testament to the trust that Season of Sharing has generated in the philanthropic world. But the backbone of Season of Sharing has always been the extraordinary generosity of neighbors helping neighbors in our community. Thousands of donations come in every year from residents who want to pitch in and help out.