Annual Events

Pregnant women, new moms and families with infants and young children up to age 4 are invited to the Community Baby Shower and Pre-School Expo!
Hosted by the Social Services Division, with support from North Port Kiwanis, this year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at the George Mullen Activity Center (1602 Kramer Way).
The event will showcase area resources available to new mothers and parents of pre-school aged children. Along with a Diaper Derby race, there will be prizes raffled throughout the event with a grand prize raffle at the end.

Exhibitors

This school year may be winding down, but it's not too early to start thinking about next year! Mark your calendars now - on Thursday, August 1st, 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Social Services Division will be hosting their Back-to-School Resource Fair for North Port residents at the Family Service Center, 6919 Outreach Way.

Registration for this event will be in person at the Family Service Center (6919 Outreach Way) and is open June 1-30. Proof of residency (utility bill, mail, or FPL account number) as well as proof that the child(ren) reside(s) in the household (Birth Certificates or guardianship paperwork, or current government assistance award letter) will be required.

Call 941-429-3700 for more information.

About the Program

The City's annual Home for the Holidays Program provides a way to connect income eligible North Port families/individuals with organizations, businesses, and individuals who want to help during the holiday season.

The Home for the Holidays program includes Adopt-n-Shop, Senior Giving Tree, and Home-Based Holidays.

Registration is required for some programs.

Adopt -N- Shop

Adopting a family is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference during the holiday season. Families who are registered through the Home for the Holidays Program can select to be adopted by individuals, organizations, or businesses. Their information - including names, children's names and ages, gift preferences, and more - is provided to the adopter. Adopters then go shopping, wrap gifts (optional), and supply goods (sometimes even food) to their adoptees.

Adopt as many families as you would like. This is a great exercise for businesses, local HOA's, and local groups who want to get involved in making a difference. Families can adopt other families. Fill out this form to apply. Registration to become an Adopter will be open from October 1 - November 15, 2024.

How can families register for Adopt-N-Shop?

Registration for the annual Social Services Adopt-N-Shop Program will be open from October 1-31, 2024. This program is open to income-eligible North Port families. Registration will be held in person at the Social Services Division office located at the Family Service Center at 6919 Outreach Way, Suite 3, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please bring proof of residency (FPL account number, Utility bill, or official mail [not junk mail]) and income eligibility (one of the following: Food stamp award letter, last 30 days of household income, or most recent tax return). Families will also need to provide staff with a birth certificate or guardianship paperwork for each child registered.

Senior Giving Tree

Each year, the City of North Port Social Services Division treats 100 local seniors to a sit-down luncheon served by City of North Port staff and volunteers. In partnership with the Senior Center, guests enjoy fellowship, bingo, prizes, and entertainment. Interested seniors can register in person at the Social Services Division office located at the Family Service Center at 6919 Outreach Way, Suite 3. Please bring proof of residency (FPL account number, Utility bill, or official mail [not junk mail]) and identification. Registration is open from November 1 - 30, 2024.

If you would like to make a monetary donation or a gift basket to be raffled, please contact the City of North Port Social Services Division at 941-429-3700.

How can I get involved?

There are several opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to make a difference through the Home for the Holidays Program.

Here are some ideas:

• Participate in the Adopt-n-Shop program: Adopt a family through the City's Social Services Division.
• Donate a gift card: Gift cards are welcome from any store. The Social Services Division will make sure that your gift card donation is provided to a family that needs it most.
• Donate cash (or check): With a cash donation, you can provide the Social Services Division instructions on the way you would like the funding to be used. Not sure how to use it? They City will find the best way to use it to make sure that it assists families during the holidays.
• Volunteer: Volunteers are needed for all of the holiday events. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with The North Port Police Department, Susan Wagner at (941)429-7403 or email at swagner@northportpdfl.gov.

• Donate to the City's annual 12 Days of Giving Food Drive: Each year, the City of North Port offers a food drive during the holiday season. This typically takes place during the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. The food is delivered to a local food pantry.

Contact Us

For more information about the Home for the Holidays Program, contact the City's Social Services Division at (941) 429-3700.