This time of year is wonderful for a lot of people. The lights, the meals, the traditions — it all feels warm and festive. But for some families in our own community, the holidays are harder. Not because they don’t want to celebrate, but because the extra cost of “holiday everything” isn’t easy to manage, even when they’re working just as hard as anyone else.
With several local deadlines hitting in mid-December, this is the moment to step in if you can. Whether it’s a bike for a child, a Thanksgiving meal, or a toy donation, here are real ways to support families in Manatee and Sarasota Counties before these opportunities close.
Mothers Helping Mothers – Annual Christmas Bike Drive
Mothers Helping Mothers works every year to collect more than 150 bikes for local kids. With the deadline approaching, this is a powerful way to make a direct impact.
Website:
Facebook:
➡️ Mothers Helping Mothers on Facebook
Instagram:
➡️ @mhmsarasota
Why This One Matters to Me
I went to a bingo fundraiser last night and heard them talk about their bike drive. It really hit me. My company participates in a big bike drive too, but it’s out of state — not here. I’ve always wanted to be part of something that actually helps families in our community.
So when I learned about their goal this year — more than 150 bikes for local kids — I wanted to do something and share it with you. I truly hope they’re receiving donations now, but I’d love for us to help them meet, or even beat, that goal.
How to Donate a Bike
Order any children’s bike from any retailer and ship it directly to:
Attn: Kathy King
4827 14th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
Event Partner:
Toys for Tots at The Ringling – Holiday Splendor Event
A beautiful Sarasota tradition that supports Toys for Tots and lets you experience The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art at night.
Toys for Tots (Sarasota):
Event Dates: December 4 and December 11
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Why I’m Going
I’m excited to go on December 4. I love the Ringling — the art museum, the gardens, the atmosphere — but I’ve never been to an evening event there. I’m looking forward to a beautiful night out and supporting Toys for Tots at the same time. It feels like the perfect mix of enjoying something local while giving back to a worthy cause.
Bring a brand-new, unwrapped toy for free admission.
Thanksgiving Support: Where Local Families Can Get Help
All Faiths Food Bank – ThankFULL Campaign
Provides holiday food boxes, turkeys, and grocery support across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.
➡️ All Faiths Food Bank – ThankFULL
Tiny Hands Foundation – Holiday Basket Brigade
Gives full holiday meal baskets to children and families in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties.
Meals on Wheels Plus / Food Bank of Manatee
Offers holiday groceries, turkey distribution, and pantry assistance for families in Manatee County.
Grocery Store Donation Programs
If you’re already shopping for your own holiday meals, these programs make it incredibly simple to help another family at the same time. Most stores run seasonal giving campaigns where you can round up your total, purchase a pre-packed donation bag, or donate directly to local hunger-relief partners right at the register.
Publix – Good Together Hunger Relief
Supports local food banks through customer donations at checkout.
➡️ Publix – Good Together Hunger Relief
Winn-Dixie / Southeastern Grocers Holiday Giving
Launches in-store donation program starting Nov 1 where customers can donate $1, $5 or round up their grocery bill to support hunger relief.
➡️ Winn-Dixie – Gratitude Month Program
Local Churches & Pantries Accepting Holiday Donations
Manatee County
Our Daily Bread of Bradenton
Daily meals and pantry support.
➡️ Our Daily Bread of Bradenton
710 18th Avenue West, Bradenton
St. George’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry
Pantry serving neighborhood families.
912 63rd Avenue West, Bradenton
Sarasota County
Harvest House Food Pantry
Drive-up pantry offering weekly and seasonal support.
3650 17th Street, Sarasota
Loaves & Fishes – Church of the Palms
Holiday meal assistance and pantry services.
3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
What You’re Looking For Might Be Right Outside Your Front Door
Many apartment communities, condos, HOAs, leasing offices, and office buildings host holiday drives. Toys, canned goods, blankets, coats, toiletries — you may not have to go far at all to help.
Check your lobby. It might be the easiest way to give back this season.
Together, We Make the Holidays Brighter
Thank you for giving in whatever way you can this season — a toy, a meal or simply sharing this information. It all matters. You matter. Your kindness makes someone’s holiday feel lighter and a little more hopeful. Our community is better because people like you show up.