This past spring, the GM Foundation presented the American Red Cross with an exciting opportunity: the donation of BrightDrop electric delivery vehicles. These state-of-the-art vans are fully electric, designed for community service delivery, and offer an impressive range of approximately 250 miles per charge. While this innovation is remarkable, the Red Cross often requires vehicles capable of traveling several hundred miles in a single day, meaning these vans didn’t initially meet our operational needs. At first, we faced the difficult possibility of declining this generous gift.

Thanks to a collaborative effort across Development, Finance, and Disaster Cycle Services, working closely with the GM Foundation, we found a creative solution. Nationwide, 59 vehicles were donated, and we are proud to share that four of our Sarasota Community Adaptation Program (CAP) partners received six of these vans!

Second Chance Last Opportunity (SCLO)

Serving the Newtown community for 37 years, SCLO provides critical resources to one of Sarasota’s historically underserved neighborhoods. Their new van will help transport food and essential supplies to their Emergency Crisis Center for distribution to families in need.

Founder and CEO April Glasco shared, “I must express my sincere gratitude and immense honor on behalf of SCLO in being selected to receive this beautiful van, adorned with the SCLO logo design. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift! This van will undoubtedly bring joy and positivity to SCLO and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”

Mothers Helping Mothers

Since 1990, this organization has supported over 3,200 local families, fostering resiliency, self-sufficiency, and stability. Their new van will be used to pick up and distribute baby essentials and other critical items to mothers and families across Sarasota County.

Executive Director Cheri Devries shared a remarkable coincidence, “Our 20-year-old box truck broke down on the exact day we received this donation! This new, reliable van ensures we can continue serving mothers and children without missing a beat.”

Streets of Paradise

Operating as a community resiliency hub, Streets of Paradise feeds 150 people weekly, provides mobile showers, and furnishes homes for individuals transitioning from foster care, recovering from disasters, or starting fresh. With two donated vans and a new grant to hire movers, their ability to deliver furniture has tripled.

CEO Cathy Bryant expressed, "Thank you, General Motors, for your generosity, and thank you to the American Red Cross for believing in grassroots disaster response through the Community Adaptation Program. You didn’t just give us vans, you gave us vessels for hope!”

Mote Marine Laboratory

Dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and agricultural development, Mote Marine provides free, fresh-grown food and fish to those experiencing food insecurity. Their two vans will transport food, mangroves for replanting, and support marine education and research.

Nicole Rhody, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, noted, “These vans will expand our outreach and ability to serve the community, and they’ll be ready to assist during disasters by transporting supplies and food where they’re needed most. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in meeting community needs. Thank you to GM Foundation for helping us strengthen local resilience and support organizations making a difference every day."