Hearts on their Sleeves: Pinellas Tax Collector Employees Donate over $3,000 to Clothes to Kids

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – Wednesday, February 7th, Pinellas County Tax Collector, Charles W. Thomas, and members of his team visited Clothes to Kids in Clearwater to present a $3,296.00 donation.

Each year, tax collector employees nominate and vote for one local nonprofit organization to fundraise for all year long. Clothes to Kids received the most votes for 2023 and employees raised funds internally for the organization with various initiatives.

One such initiative, “Thread of Hope” was created by the tax collector team in 2022. Employees who choose to make a monetary donation can break dress code to participate in a fun themed clothing day – with all proceeds going to the annual charity. Last year’s theme days included: Disney Day, Sports Day, Tropical Shirt Day, and more. The $3,296.00 donation delivered to Clothes to Kids came from donations made through this initiative as well as other internal office fundraisers. The donation will provide full wardrobes for 50 students.

“Our yearly internal fundraiser is something the whole team looks forward to,” Charles W. Thomas said. “I am impressed at the creativity and heart that is put into fundraising every year and am honored to support local organizations like Clothes to Kids.”

Along with the cash donation, the tax collector offices also held a sock drive in 2023, where the public was invited to help support the cause. As a result, over 2,000 pairs of socks were collected to help build wardrobes for 409 Pinellas County students.

“Clothes to Kids’ mission is one we all can relate to. When you look good, you feel good and every child should be comfortable and confident to help them succeed and do their best in school,” continued Mr. Thomas.  

Clothes to Kids serves Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and its mission is to provide new and gently used clothing to low-income or in-crisis school-age children, free of charge. They have provided over 350,000 wardrobe items to kids in 2023. Find more info about Clothes to Kids at clothestokids.org.

The tax collector team voted to support Suncoast Animal League throughout 2024. Visit pinellastaxcollector.gov/community-involvement for more info about that fundraising campaign as well as the other charitable organizations they support.

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ABOUT THE PINELLAS COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE: The Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office is a constitutionally elected office. Responsibilities include collecting and distributing state and local taxes and providing driver license and motor vehicle registration services to Pinellas County residents. For more information, visit pinellastaxcollector.gov.