Caring and Sharing, a 39-year-old nonprofit organization which distributes food, clothing vouchers, and gifts to those in need over the holidays is stocking up once again to provide annual community outreach.
Caring and Sharing assistance includes food baskets and gift certificates at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Through coordination with local churches, Interfaith Ministries Thrift Shop, businesses and individuals throughout the area a Giving Tree Program at Christmas allows for children 12 and under are provided gifts and children 13 through 18 (and are in school, living at home) receive gift certificates.
Client interview registration for assistance is a must, allowing coordination of volunteers and donations to be ready at distribution.
Dates for interviews to seek aid are as follows: Saturday, October 20, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, October 21, 2-4 p.m., and Monday, October 22, 5–8 p.m.
Interviews will be held at only one interview location: Liberty Church, 6006 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, (next to Meredith Lumber on Hwy 98). Childcare is not provided during interviews; please make other arrangements for your children.
Eligibility requirements are that you must live in South Santa Rosa County, Florida. Interview application requests will not be processed without the below documentation. Those needing assistance must bring to their interview the following *:
-Proof of Identity; Photo ID for all adults, AND birth certificates for all children (for age verification purposes only) *Social Security Cards are no longer accepted.
-Letter of Eligibility for food stamps from DCF (if applicable).
-Proof of residence; rental release, mortgage bill, and most recent utility bill with current address. You must live in South Santa Rosa County; boundaries lines are: east to Okaloosa/Santa Rosa county line; north to the Yellow River bridge; west to include Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and Pensacola Beach.
-Proof of all household income; paycheck stub, social security form, pension, W-2 form, TANF, child support, alimony, etc.
This year’s distributions will take place from 12 noon –3 p.m. on:
- Sunday, November 18 – Thanksgiving distribution at Oriole Beach Elementary
- Sunday, December 16 – Christmas distribution at West Navarre Intermediate (behind Whataburger in Navarre)
Potential clients can contact Caring & Sharing at (850) 396-0321, and a member of the organization’s volunteer team will return the call. Further information is also available on the website: www.santarosacares.org or via Facebook.
