Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is excited to announce the receipt of a $10,000 donation from the AT&T Foundation to support the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. The grant will be used to purchase 400 grocery store gift cards for families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 26 years, the Ride & Run with The Stars charity event has raised funds for the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project by bringing the community together to participate in athletic competition and a silent auction. We look forward to this holiday fundraiser each year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced our decision to cancel.

Throughout the year, sheriff’s office members identify families and children who are either homeless, economically stressed, victimized, or abused. Funds raised for the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project are used to assist these families during the holiday season. Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 5,000 families have been assisted.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging daily life as we know it and exacerbating food insecurity for many Floridians,” said Edwin Narain, assistant vice president, External Affairs, AT&T Florida. “With many struggling to feed their families this holiday season, the AT&T Foundation is proud to support the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. This effort makes a meaningful impact on the community and the men and women of the Sheriff’s office should be applauded for their hard work.”

The statewide and local state of emergencies, which began March 25, 2020, have forced businesses to temporarily or permanently close their doors, causing layoffs. This resulted in Pinellas County families experiencing increased economic hardships which continue today. This year’s current trend of unemployment leads us to believe more families will be in need of assistance.

The goal of the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project is to ease some of the financial burden on families who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Pinellas County.

If you would like to contribute to the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project, please visit www.rideandrunwiththestars.com for more information.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

*AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $600 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.