Non-profit for Pinellas County Public Schools

Every child deserves to feel like they belong

Sweet Friend Foundation brings community resources directly to public school students and teachers in Pinellas County, so no child has to sit on the sidelines.

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Too many kids are starting the school year already behind

Some students show up on the first day without a backpack. Others miss the field trip, sit out on extras during school events, or go home empty-handed at the holidays because the resources just aren't there, while teachers spend money out of their own pockets to fill the gap. It doesn't have to be this way, and with your help, we can make a difference.

You can support real needs of students and teachers in Pinellas County schools

When you support Sweet Friend Foundation, your donation doesn't disappear into an overhead budget. It goes directly into Pinellas County schools in the form of programs built around what students and teachers actually need. Here's what your support makes possible:

“We’ve Got Your Back” Backpack Drive
Sweet Friend Treats
Pumpkins Pals
Sweet Friend Giving Tree
Adopt a Family Program
Birthday Program
Sweet Friend Favors

Explore our programs

What's happened since 2023

161%

increase in backpacks provided to local schools in a single year

370%

increase in notebooks distributed compared to the prior year

10+

schools served today. One school served in 2023

4,000+

pumpkins donated to students across Pinellas County

$895

is the average amount a teacher spends out of pocket on supplies each year. Sweet Friend exists to change that.

Local businesses make this work possible

Sweet Friend partners with businesses across Pinellas County to host donation drives, sponsor programs, and bring the community into the schools. Sponsors receive recognition across social media, events, and the Sweet Friend website, and get to see their impact up close.

Become a corporate sponsor

We know what it feels like to be that kid

Founder Asianna Lotito grew up as one of the students Sweet Friend Foundation now serves. A twin raised by a single mom who worked three jobs just to get by, she knows firsthand what it feels like to miss the field trip. After seven years volunteering in Pinellas County schools, she saw the same gaps she had lived through as a child.

Since 2023, the team has grown from serving one school to over ten, with programs shaped by what they see inside those classrooms every single week.

Meet the sweet friend team

Three steps to putting a smile on a child’s face

Choose how you want to help

Donate, become a sponsor, volunteer at an event, or host a donation box at your business. Every form of support counts.

Your gift goes directly to the schools

Sweet Friend works with teachers, social workers, and community liaisons to make sure resources reach the students who need them most.

See the impact for yourself

Sponsors and supporters are invited to attend events and witness the difference your generosity makes in a child's day.

Donate now

The heart behind the impact. See how your support is changing lives

Free Guide

Fun things to do with kids in Pinellas County at no cost

Looking for ways to keep kids engaged without spending a fortune? Sign up for Sweet Friend emails and receive a free 10-page guide to free activities for children in Pinellas County, including parks, events, libraries, outdoor adventures, and more.

Join the Sweet Friend community and you'll also get family-friendly resources, program updates, and stories from the children and families the foundation serves.