Photo courtesy of SPARCC

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), the only state-certified center for domestic violence and sexual assault services for Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, is bringing the community together this holiday season with a meaningful and uplifting gift drive. While 2020 raises health and safety concerns around in-person events, SPARCC created a new and festive way to support its annual Holiday Toy Drive and keep holiday cheer in full swing. 

On Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, SPARCC invites the community to a drive-through winter wonderland experience, festively-decorated to enjoy magical lights and holiday tunes. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys, gifts for moms, or gift cards to the “touchless” drop-off station. This free outdoor event, held at 2139 Main Street, Sarasota, will replace SPARCC’s annual Cookies, Cakes & Carolers luncheon and provide a resourceful way for everyone to still share in the philanthropic splendor of the giving season. Invite friends, family, or anyone who may enjoy this free holiday event drive-thru and donate a gift, or make a donation to SPARCC. 

According to SPARCC, the COVID-19 pandemic has created heightened and devastating effects for its domestic abuse survivors -- emotionally, physically and financially, so the organization hopes to make this time of year extra special for the individuals and families they serve, all the while helping to brighten the holidays for children. "Last season, caring and compassionate donors in our community brought joy to 93 adults and 186 of SPARCC’s smallest survivors through the holiday toy drive, and this year, we are hoping to serve even more!" 

For more information and the holiday wish list, please visit sparcc.net/events or email Ning Qin, SPARCC Communications Manager, at nqin@sparcc.net.  

Photo courtesy of SPARCC