Season of Sharing Provides Support and Hope for Suncoast Families

Editor's Note: The Sarasota Herald-Tribune originally published this article on November 2, 2025.

Headlines often capture the devastation of a crisis.

But what endures long after the emergency passes is how our community shows up for one another.

Last year, around this time, headlines told the story of the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck our region back-to-back.

Suncoast families face 'a lot of storms' each day. Season of Sharing will stand with them.

Homes were ruined, workplaces were damaged, and jobs disappeared.

But beneath those headlines was another truth: neighbors stepping forward to give, rebuild, and restore hope.

Families who had never before asked for help found themselves in sudden need.

And when they did, our community responded in greater abundance than ever before through Season of Sharing, the 26-year-old initiative that invites neighbors to help neighbors.

Season of Sharing is more than an annual appeal for support – it is a trusted safety net.

When emergencies arise, Season of Sharing helps cover essentials: rent, utility bills, car repairs, and child care. With support from Season of Sharing, temporary hardship doesn't become a permanent crisis.

Though last year's storms have faded from the headlines and anniversaries have passed, recovery remains ongoing. Homes continue being repaired, jobs are coming back, and incomes are being restored.

But many families remain on fragile footing, and new needs continue to emerge.

Throughout it all, Season of Sharing provides relief, demonstrating that how we show up for one another can change someone's future for the better.

For more than two decades, the Season of Sharing campaign has embodied that spirit.

What began in 2000 as a modest call for support for those facing personal financial challenges has become a vital and broad way to assist individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties when hardship strikes.

Since its inception, Season of Sharing has helped more than 50,000 households weather life's toughest moments, thanks to more than $50 million in donations.

Those numbers represent tens of thousands of personal experiences: families kept in their homes, lights kept on for a senior on a fixed income, a parent able to keep working.

More than 60,000 gifts over the years – from $5 to $5,000 and beyond – show that we all have a role to play. Every contribution matters because every contribution helps a neighbor.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County stewards these funds with great care, and donors know that 100% of every dollar goes directly to help local families.

Through a network of nonprofit partners, assistance is delivered quickly and directly.

Bills are paid to landlords, utility agencies, child care providers, or repair shops.

Relief is immediate and accountable.

Since 2009, The Patterson Foundation has partnered to strengthen this giving, contributing $10.6 million total in matching dollars.

During this new campaign, it will give an additional $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community through the end of January.

This incentive amplifies every gift and inspires more people to participate, knowing their generosity unlocks additional support.

We are grateful to the Herald-Tribune for continuing to report on those who have received help and bravely share their challenges and all they've overcome.

Each story is different, but all carry a common theme: stability and dignity regained because others cared enough to give.

The Herald-Tribune's coverage of the complex issues Season of Sharing addresses helps keep our community focused on long-term solutions.

For both of us, it is profoundly inspiring to witness the generosity Season of Sharing ignites year after year. It reinforces a simple truth: When we take care of each other, we all thrive.

Together, we can ensure that the story of this community's compassion continues – now and for generations to come.

Paul Hudson is interim CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Debra Jacobs is president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. You can donate to Season of Sharing at cfsarasota.org or calling 941-556-2399. You can also mail a check to Season of Sharing, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237.