Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you help people outside Seminole County, Florida?

The Sharing Center serves those in need throughout Seminole County, Florida. If you need assistance and are not a resident of Seminole County, Florida, look under Social Service agencies in your phone book or call 211 for help where you live.

2. What is The Christian Sharing Center?

The Sharing Center is a faith-based non-profit charitable organization that helps families and individuals in Seminole County, Florida during times of personal financial crisis.

3. How do I get help?

If you are a resident of Seminole County, Florida, you may apply for assistance in person Monday-Friday between 9 am and 12 noon. You do not need an appointment. If you live in Sanford, Geneva or Lake Monroe, please go to our Sanford site at 515 E. 25th Street. If you live anywhere else in Seminole County, you should go to our Longwood location in Fairmont Plaza at 600 N. Hwy.17-92, approx. ½ mile north of Hwy. 434.

4. What kind of help does The Sharing Center give?

Assistance is given according to individual need and The Sharing Center resources. Help may include food, toiletries, clothing, financial aid with rent/mortgage, utilities, transportation costs, medical prescriptions, and other help specific to an individual. The Sharing Center networks with other help agencies and organizations and may refer a client for specialized assistance.

5. What should I bring with me to get help?

You will need your driver's license or other picture ID; Social Security cards for yourself, spouse, children and anyone else living with you; current proof of address, such as a utility bill mailed to you in the last 30 days; proof of income, such as pay stubs or unemployment verification. Bringing these items does not guarantee service but expedites the application process.

6. Do you only help Christians?

The Sharing Center helps low-income families living in Seminole County, Florida, regardless of religion, race, gender, national origin, or handicap.

7. What donations are tax-deductible?

The Sharing Center is a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Financial gifts, donations of food and merchandise to The Sharing Center or its Thrift Store are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

8. Can anyone shop at the thrift store?

Yes! The Sharing Center Thrift Store, including its wonderful boutique, is open to the public for shopping 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday. The Thrift Store is our major fund-raiser, and shows its appreciation to our retail supporters by giving a 20% discount to all customers every Tuesday. In addition to raising funds to help people in need, The Thrift Store also gives free of charge every year over $150,000 worth of clothing and household goods to people in need who are referred by social workers and caseworkers at The Sharing Center, Seminole County Public Schools, and other help agencies.