AT&T Donates $10,000 For Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced the receipt of a $10,000 donation from the AT&T Foundation to support the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project.

The grant will be used to purchase 400 grocery store gift cards for families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

For 26 years, the Ride & Run with The Stars charity event has raised funds for the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project by bringing the community together to participate in an athletic competition and a silent auction. However, the pandemic forced the cancellation of this year's event.

Throughout the year, sheriff's office members identify families and children who are either homeless, economically stressed, victimized or abused. Funds raised for the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project are used to assist these families during the holiday season.

Since the program's inception in 1993, more than 5,000 families have been assisted.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging daily life as we know it and exacerbating food insecurity for many Floridians," said Edwin Narain, assistant vice president of external affairs for AT&T Florida. "With many struggling to feed their families this holiday season, the AT&T Foundation is proud to support the Pinellas County Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project. This effort makes a meaningful impact on the community and the men and women of the sheriff's office should be applauded for their hard work."

The statewide and local state of emergencies, which began March 25, have forced businesses to temporarily or permanently close their doors, causing layoffs. This resulted in Pinellas County families experiencing increased economic hardships which continue today.

If you would like to contribute to the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, click here.