Pictured: Goodwill Manasota vice president of mission services Margie Genter presents a gift certificate - for the purchase of warm coats for clients - to Streets of Paradise volunteer Karin Ireland.

In late November - just before the cold front moved through Florida - Goodwill Manasota provided a gift certificate to nonprofit organization Streets of Paradise so that volunteer Karin Ireland could purchase warm coats for clients. Streets of Paradise, whose headquarters is located on U.S. 301 in Sarasota, seeks to combat homelessness in Sarasota County. In order to maximize available funds, Ireland reported that she planned to use the gift certificate at Goodwill's Bargain Barn, where apparel is sold by the pound. Each year, Goodwill Manasota provides gift cards and vouchers to multiple agencies and schools that serve people in need as well as those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organization also provides clothing, gently-used attire that is generously donated by community members, throughout the year for agencies with clients in need. For more information, go to experiencegoodwill.org.

Pictured: Goodwill Manasota vice president of mission services Margie Genter presents a gift certificate - for the purchase of warm coats for clients - to Streets of Paradise volunteer Karin Ireland.

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