Outreach 2021
VABI Holiday Tree Lighting
For the second year, START members decorated a tree in Blalock Park for VABI's Holiday Tree Lighting. Members made ornaments and decorated the tree on November 30th and December 3rd. We hope you visited the park and our tree. It was hard to miss; it was the biggest and brightest, located at the south end near the manatee stature. Members returned January 7th to take down the decorations until next year.
St. David's Jubilee Center
START members donated gently used clothing to St. David's Jubilee Center in Englewood. Thirty-four (34) bags of clothing were delivered to this worthy organization for people who need and deserve them. We hoped our donation helped to make the holidays a little brighter.
Family Promise Dream Walk
Despite 'iffy' weather, START members participated in the Family Promise Dream Walk on November 6. We also raised over $1800 in individual donations to support this worthy cause. After the walk, members enjoyed a great breakfast at Paradise Grill to top off a fun morning!
Easter Basket Project
Our project to help Venice Christmas Angels to provide Easter baskets for children of needy families was a huge success. Thanks to START, 59 children had a special Easter this year. Donations to fill the Easter baskets came from 28 of our member households and 13 volunteers helped create and assemble the baskets.
VABI Urban Forest
On February 27th, volunteers did some weeding and mulching to support the developing VABI Urban Forest.
Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center
In February, START members helped check off two of items on the Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center's 'wish' list. Volunteers painted two rooms used to store and stage children's supplies. The Center also needed a computer. With the donation of a computer by one START member, another member was able to upgrade the computer with software to enable event planning, client communication, supply ordering and inventory control.
