SARASOTA - ‘Tis the season of giving and sharing. The Community Foundation of Sarasota kicked off their Season of Sharing Campaign in November. According to the Community Foundation, many hard-working families struggle to make ends meet on the Suncoast. Season of Sharing is a 20-year old campaign with the Harold Tribune, of giving back to their neighbors on the verge of homelessness to regain stability. It goes until January, but funds are used all year long. Community Foundation’s Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing says the campaign has had a significant impact on the community.

"There's been nearly 22 million dollars raised over nineteen years as we’re heading into the 20th ,"Mischa Kirby said. "And that’s just money that comes right from individuals and goes back out into the community. So, these are really gifts that are made for things that could force someone to maybe lose their home or face some really dire consequences. So, Season of Sharing helps with everything from paying electricity bills to child care, things that if you have an emergency in your life you could just be one quick paycheck or one emergency away from some really tough times.”

Season of Sharing campaign works with about 60 to 80 non-profit organizations aware of people in need on the Suncoast. If you are in need of help, you can call 2-1-1.

Donations to the Season of Sharing fund may be made online at  cfsarasota.org, or by sending a check (payable to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn. Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. Contact the foundation at 941–556–2399 for more information or to request a credit card form. All donations are tax–deductible. To read stories about families helped by Season of Sharing, go to  heraldtribune.com/seasonofsharing.