SARASOTA, Fla. — A Sarasota County non-profit is allowing families in need to get back-to-school clothes and items for free.
"Mothers Helping Mothers" has served Manatee and Sarasota counties for the past 30 years.
"It's going to be 30 years in November. It just started from hearing about families that were in need living at the Salvation Army and they were moving into transitional housing," said Madeline Brogan, President of Mothers Helping Mothers.
Madeline Brogan, President of Mothers Helping Mothers, said they helped a lot of families the week before school starts.
"Back to school is always busy for us. We do network with other agencies to make sure all the families get covered for the help they need to make their children feel successful when they attend school," said Brogan.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, families can pick up clothes, shoes, toys and other items at the non-profit's facility on North Washington Boulevard in Sarasota.
Brogan said the non-profit is currently raising money so they can purchase the building and eliminate their rent.
"The Barancik Foundation, Margery and Charles Barancik, they are willing to match funds up to $325,000. If we can raise the other $325,000 to get to $650,000," said Brogan.
The non-profit operates strictly on volunteers. No staff is paid. The non-profit really needs volunteers to sort donations so they can be placed on shelves for families to pick up.
"We would have stopped years ago if there wasn't such a need in this community," said Brogan.
"They had the school supplies today with the backpacks and that helped me," said Flor Vargas, a mother of three.
The non-profit is hosting "Kids Rock Concert" on August 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be held at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse on 19 East Road in Sarasota.
The fundraiser will benefit "Mothers Helping Mothers." There will be a live and silent auction, raffle and more. The event is free and family-friendly.
To learn more about the non-profit and how to help visit:
