How To Score Free T-Shirt From Sarasota Sheriff's Office

SARASOTA, FL — The first 300 people to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to the Sarasota Sheriff's Office holiday toy drive on Saturday will score a cool T-shirt.

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight will welcome residents on Saturday to his department's first open house at the new Sarasota headquarters. The headquarters opened last year.

"This event will take place during the agency’s second annual holiday toy drive benefiting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program," according to the sheriff's office.

Doug Johnson of the sheriff's office told Patch that officials plan to hold the event every year based on the success of last year's ribbon cutting ceremony at the headquarters.

"This time last year we moved into this facility and so we had our grand opening," Johnson explained. "Even though it was rainy and overcast we still had a good turnout."

Clothing and stuffed animals will not be accepted for the holiday toy drive but everything else gets you a sheriff's office T-shirt. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd.

"Join the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for a free, family-friendly event with food, refreshments, music, and demonstrations," the sheriff's office said. "Members of the agency’s SWAT and emergency response teams, mounted patrol, K-9 and aviation units among others, will display special equipment offering attendees an inside look at the Special Operations Bureau."

While you're there, check out the animals from the sheriff's Animal Services Section that are available for adoption.

If you're looking for a job, the sheriff's office will also have representatives on hand from its human resources department to discuss career opportunities.

Parking is limited so try to carpool if possible.

For more information, call the community affairs office at 941.861.4005.

Photo courtesy Sarasota County Sheriff's Office