​As ALSO Youth grows, so does the number of youth they serve — and the need to keep their centers stocked with essential supplies and snacks.

This November and December, SarasotaOUT.com is challenging the community to take part in our annual Snack & Supply Drive for ALSO Youth.

It’s a meaningful way for your team, business, family, or group of friends to make a real difference by supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
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​WHO IS ALSO YOUTH?

​For over 25 years, ALSO Youth has provided outreach and a safe space drop-in center with weekly programming, including peer support groups for the LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Through partnerships with local school districts and other youth-serving organizations, they strive every day to create an inclusive community where our youth can live, study, work, and play without violence, fear, harassment, or discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
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Collect individually wrapped snacks and supplies to donate yourself, or organize a group, business, or church to collect needed items and donate them as a team. You can print our flyer to hang at the location where you'll be collecting. Once you have your donation ready, you can drop it off at the ALSO Youth Center at SRQ: 2195 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237 or MTE: 351 6th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Please make sure to call (941) 254-7178 to ensure they are open and available to accept your donation.

ITEMS NEEDED

Drinks (single-serve or gallons)

• Bottled teas (diet & regular: citrus, peach, raspberry), sports drinks (12–20 oz), Capri Sun pouches
• Coffee & tea pods (K-Cups), ground coffee
• Gallon drink mixes (e.g., strawberry/blue raspberry) for pitchers

Shelf-Stable Snacks (individually wrapped)

• Crackers & chips: Goldfish, pretzels, assorted Frito-Lay variety packs
• Cookies & sweets: Oreos/Chips Ahoy minis, Rice Krispies Treats, fruit snacks, candy variety boxes
• Bars & popcorn: granola bars variety packs, SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty
• Savory/protein: Slim Jims, Lance sandwich crackers
• Grab-and-go cups: pudding cups, Nutella & Go

Quick Meals (microwave-ready)

• Cup Noodles / Instant ramen (cups or bowls)
• Mac & cheese cups (single-serve)

Program & Party Supplies

• Disposable plates, cups, napkins, cutlery (rainbow or solid colors)
• Tablecloths, food trays/boats, balloons/arch kits, fringe/tinsel backdrops, banners
• Simple party games (Catch Phrase, “You Laugh You’re Out,” “Pick Your Poison”)
• Small décor/portable party lights (disco/LED ball)

Arts & Crafts

• Cardstock (8.5x11, white or assorted)
• Acrylic paint pens/markers (variety sets)
• Air-dry modeling clay (multi-color packs)
• Scratch-art mini notes
• Photo frames (bulk 5x7) & unfinished wood craft frames (4x6)
• Frosted-glass spray (for craft projects)

Gift Cards (always useful)

• Pizza or fast-casual (Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Chipotle) — $25–$50

Optional: Center Set-Up (higher-impact items)
(Great for teams/businesses to sponsor)

• Laptops (basic 8GB/512GB) — qty 4 needed
• All-in-one desktop (program workstation)
• 65”+ 4K smart TV (classroom/conference use)
• PlayStation 5 + extra controller (youth lounge)
• Office chairs (qty 4), mobile lectern/podium, coat rack
• Covered clothing rack/closet for donated apparel
• 2-step ladder, magazine/literature display rack​

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​Helpful Notes for Donors

• Please prioritize individually wrapped snacks and single-serve drinks.
• Variety packs are perfect; include nut-free options when possible.
• Shelf-stable items only (no refrigeration).
• Party supplies in rainbow or bright solid colors fit program themes well.

ALSO Youth has put together an Amazon Wishlist of supplies and items they need. Items purchased from these lists will automatically be sent to ALSO Youth.

Snacks Wishlist

Games Wishlist

Crafts Wishlist

Books Wishlist

Furniture Wishlist

Subscribe and Save

Want to make a bigger impact? Try sending ALSO Youth snacks or supplies monthly with Amazon's Subscribe and Save feature. You could send packs of chips, paper towels, Clorox wipes etc, on repeat.
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HOW IT WORKS:

1. Select "Subscribe & Save" on the detail page for thousands of products in the Subscribe & Save Store
2. Select the quantity and schedule, from monthly to every six months.
3. Create the subscription. Sit back, relax, and let Amazon take care of the rest.​

​​​​⚠️ Make sure to send the items to:

• SRQ: 2195 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237
• ​MTE: 351 6th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
  
  

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