Over 100 Families Attended the Women's Resource Center of Sarasota County's Hope for the Holidays Event

The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County (www.thewomensresourcecenter.org), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women in Sarasota County and enriching their lives, recently hosted over 100 families during the nonprofit’s Hope for the Holidays event.

During the Saturday, Dec. 13 event, which helped lift up those families that find themselves in need this holiday season, mothers and children had the opportunity to shop for each other free of charge from the gifts provided. Families were provided with food, gifts and were able to create arts and crafts with the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center.

All Faiths Food Bank was on site at the Sarasota location of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County (WRCSC) with over 100 turkeys and sides for each of the families. About 50 percent of the participants were female veterans attending with their families.

“The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County has brought so much to me,” said Jobany Pellot, a single mother of five. “It’s a great resource and a big relief to know that WRCSC cares for us, and they care that we have a good Christmas.”

Pellot was able to build her self-confidence for the interviewing process after attending the WRCSC’s Challenge program, a life-skills program created to enhance personal and professional growth. She is now employed as a Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) educator, a home-based, early childhood education program for three-, four- and five-year-old children through the YMCA.

“Most of these families would not be in a position to have the resources to celebrate the holiday season without the support of the WRCSC and our community collaborators,” said Valerie Goddard, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County. “The Hope for the Holidays event was a huge success with over 100 families lifted up and given hope this holiday season.”

Community collaborators included All Faiths Food Bank, Macy’s, Alex & Ani, Encore and more Consignment Shop, Mandala Med Spa and Yoga Shala, Docimo’s, Rosati’s, Finebloom & Haenell P.A. and Goodwill Manasota, which donated a truckload of 1,868 toys and $250 toward the effort. Many individuals also donated gifts, food, art supplies and volunteered their time, including AFFB’s COO John Livingston.

About the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County

For over 30 years, the countywide not-for-profit agency has provided women with life skills training, career services and scholarships to achieve their highest potential. For more information, visit www.TheWomensResourceCenter.org or call 941.366.1700.