Nonprofit Faces Shortage of Christmas Presents For Needy

A Sarasota non-profit that provides help to low income youth and families is making a plea to the community to help volunteer and donate so Sarasota kids in need have a Christmas this year.

Second Chance Last Opportunity's annual Community Christmas Festival is Saturday, Dec. 22, but despite the toy drives there aren't enough toys for the families.

Second Chance Chief Executive April Glasco is concerned that "the 150 families will be disappointed and the children will have no gifts this Christmas.  Our clients have worked hard to make a change in their lives, attending our life skill classes, and putting into practice what they've learned.  Letting those children down is unthinkable."

Collection points for unwrapped toys (newborn-12) are all over town and the list can be found on the website at www.SecondChanceLastOpportunity.org/you-can-help or you can drop off presents at the SCLO office at 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.   Financial donations to enable the agency to buy gifts can be made to SCLO, P.O. Box 1027, Sarasota, FL 34230.

Folks can also volunteer at the celebration.

The Christmas festival will be held at The Granite Place, 2328 N. Washington Boulevard, where families will also leave with food baskets (courtesy of the Basket Brigade), food boxes, ham, gift cards (thanks to Mayors' Feed The Hungry), and toys for their kids.   

“Volunteering at this event is a great experience and makes you feel you’ve made a difference in a child’s life”, Glasco says.

To volunter, call 941-726-3532.  Help is needed setting up, decorating the children's tent, handing out goodies, helping the children choose their presents.