22-234 Pinellas Deputies and Members “Shop for Santa” To Help Nearly 300 Families Registered with the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Christmas Sharing Project
-"Santa's Shoppers" (Members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)

PINELLAS COUNTY - Pinellas County uniformed deputies, members and volunteers from across the agency will "Shop For Santa" to assist nearly 300 families registered with the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, a program which helps families in need over the holidays. Over 700 children will benefit from the project this year.

Shopping will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 and will be held at the Walmart located at 990 Missouri Avenue North in Largo.

Shoppers will be spending the money raised at the 28th annual "Ride & Run With the Stars" event, which was held at Fort DeSoto Park on Saturday, December 3, 2022. The amount collected this year was approximately $80,000.

While toys are mentioned on the wish lists, basic needs items like underwear, socks, a jacket or school clothes usually top the lists provided by the families. The families in need were identified by Sheriff's Office members throughout the year and are screened to determine the level of support which is provided.

Bicycle requests will be filled separately and delivered to families throughout the holidays. Approximately 108 bikes will be delivered this year.

Media is invited to attend this event.

Please contact PIO Sergeant Amanda Sinni at asinni@pcsonet.com and advise whether you will be attending.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri would like to thank the following "Sheriff's Circle Sponsors", “Emerald Sponsors” and "Platinum Sponsors" for their generous contributions:

Sheriff’s Circle Sponsors:
Attenti
Abbey, Adams, Byelick & Mueller
BayCare
BayStar Restaurant Group
DITEK Surge Protection
Dynamic Solutions Group
Raymond James Financial
Spa Manufacturer, Inc.
Suncoast Voices for Children
Walmart Super Center, Store #1712
The White Family

Emerald Sponsors:
Northern Bloom Consulting

Platinum Sponsors:
Abe’s Place
Carpenter & Czelusta
Live Watersports
Olive Garden
PCSO Department of Detention & Corrections Support Services Division