Every Child Inc., Judy Alexander- A Very Special Lady
This story is about a very special lady in our community who has been described as a “fairy Godmother who helps dreams come true.“ Judy Alexander is a treasure in our community.
In 1997, Judy and Dee Webber founded Every Child Inc. They realized that there were many children who were unable to start school with all the right school supplies. That summer, they achieved the unbelievable task of raising funds and volunteer support to provide a backpack frilled with supplies for every student from Kindergarten to 8th grade living in public housing in Sarasota County, Florida.
I met with Judy last week to learn more about Every Child Inc., and what they do today. It’s a story that is absolutely heartwarming. Along with the backpack program, they have holiday parties for our neediest children. At this party, all of the children receive a stocking filled with goodies, a nice gift and a book.
In 2009, Judy and her team opened a food pantry for the children in the projects. Judy said “our economy hit many families hard and our concern evolved into Every Child’s Cupboard.” Along with the food pantry they started a clothes closet, Every Child’s Boutique.
There’s more! For the past six years Every Child has sponsored the Cinderella Project. “Gently” worn donated formals are given to young ladies who would not otherwise have one to wear to their prom. This year, they have incorporated the boys. It is called Cinderella and Her Prince. Boys are able to participate in a drawing for the tuxedo rental for their prom.
There is so much more to share about Every Child and Judy Alexander. The Sarasota Post will be doing a series of stories about this very unique lady and there are plans to update the website, www.everychildsarasota.org. If you would like to donate, please send your tax-deductible check to: Every Child Inc., 1700 North Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34239.