Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast is celebrating National Mentoring Month all January long, honoring volunteers and thanking parents and guardians for their trust and commitment. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast serves nearly 1,800 children who are enrolled in the organization's programs in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties.

The Child Protection Center was recently awarded a $6,000 grant from the J. Milton Hoffa and Nellie E. Hoffa Memorial Foundation. The funds are designated for the center's Kid Kindness Program, which strives to change the lives of at-risk youth by correcting patterns of behavior that hurt others. The program also offers comprehensive assessments and individual, group and family therapy to youth who have displayed at-risk or abuse-reactive behaviors.

Braden River High School senior Brianna Moss is spearheading the "BE COOL School Challenge," an effort to collect unwanted, gently used items at area high schools that can then be sold in Goodwill Manasota retail stores. Each student who takes the challenge will receive a coupon for a free pizza from Pizza SRQ; the winning school will win a free pizza party and a $1,000 scholarship, thanks to corporate sponsor Cool Today.

Operation Patriot Support will present the fourth annual Florida Fun Shoot on Friday, Feb. 17, at Ancient Oak Gun Club, 16800 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch, to support and assist veterans, law enforcement, first responders and their families. This year, the event will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the 82^{nd Airborne} Division. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Click here for more details.