Annual Events

Throughout the year, the Social Services Division hosts multiple annual events to serve the needs of our community.

Community Baby Shower and Preschool Expo

Pregnant women, new moms and families with infants and young children up to age 4 are invited to the FREE Community Baby Shower and Pre-School Expo, held annually by the Social Services Division.

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

Each exhibitor must be a non-profit agency or business that serves pregnant women, infants and/or young children in South Sarasota County. Businesses will not be permitted to sell commercial products or distribute infant formula samples or advertisements. There is no fee for exhibitors, however, we request that each exhibitor provide a door prize (minimum $30 value) suitable for pregnant women and/or families with children up to age 4.

Back to School Resource Fair

Every year, the Social Services Division hosts the Back-to-School Resource Fair for North Port residents. This event provides an opportunity to access local resources and receive free supplemental school supplies.

Home for the Holidays 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

Adopt -N- Shop

The Adopt-N-Shop Program is an annual gift adoption program during the holiday season. Families who are registered through the Adopt-N-Shop Program can 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.

How to adopt a family

Individuals, organizations, businesses and HOAs can register online to adopt a family. Registration is open Oct. 1 - Nov. 15.

How to register for assistance

This program is open to income-eligible North Port families. Those wanting to register can go 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. from Oct. 1 - 31.

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 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.

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.

The 2025 Senior Giving Tree event is Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Port Senior Center, 4940 Pan American Blvd. Register to participate Nov. 1-30 by visiting the Family Service Center, 6919 Outreach Way. Limited spots are available; Registration will close when all spots are reserved.

Other ways to get involved:

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. Learn more about volunteering.
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. The food is delivered to a local food pantry.

Section of Price Boulevard is now closed