Nine years ago, Kendra Wingate said she needed to teach her boys a lesson.
They were upset she was giving away toys they no longer played with, so she called her dad to ask his advice.
The now-retired school district employee suggested she “adopt a family” from Samoset Elementary.
Four families received gifts that year and “Every Child is Worth Something” was born.
In 2022, the grassroots group provided gifts for 75 children from three elementary schools and the migrant education program.
Two baseball organizations, employees from a Sarasota hospital, a law office, a group of moms, church groups and individuals who follow Wingate’s Facebook page purchased gifts from a list provided by the school.
Two Girl Scout troops wrapped the majority of the gifts in more than five hours.
The Crewe from Hernando DeSoto Historical Society uses their pirate ship as Santa’s sleigh and the results are magical.
Christmas music is blaring from the ship… Conquistadors, the DeSoto Queen and Princess, along with Wingate’s parents, husband, sons and friends, deliver gifts and holiday cheer to the schools.
Migrant Education Coordinator, Mario Mendoza (left), with Hunter and Colt Wingate.
Palmetto High student, Hunter, and Johnson K-8 student, Colt, helped unload bags and bicycles.
"I think it's really cool that my mom started this," said Colt. "It's really cool to help other kids at Christmas."
This year, Mr. Pickles, a miniature therapy horse served as Santa’s reindeer. Mr. Pickles’ owner, Lindsey Ryan, brought her own son to witness the magic.
On Tuesday, teachers and students at Palm View K-8, from Kindergarten through third grade, danced and sang, received beads and posed for photos for a short time before the DeSoto Crewe and their friends sailed away.
Here’s a video showing sights and sounds from their visit.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=892938248734106
Palm View K-8 administrators and Graduation Enhancement Technician, Monica Mardones, would also like to acknowledge other local organizations and community groups who provided holiday cheer for their students and staff:
Frog Creek RV Park
The Giving Tree
Parrish United Methodist Church
Kiwanis Club
Fisherman's Cove
Terra Ceia Methodist Church
Family of God United Methodist Church
Skyway Chapel
Palm View 1st Baptist Church