The Gliders are not only a running club, but also stress academic responsibility and community service. Since its inception, the Central Florida Gliders have committed to community service in many ways i.e. helping families during disasters; supporting families in economic need, especially during the holidays; volunteering for community projects; granting scholarships to athletes to pay track registration fees as well as college scholarships; and annual donations to local food banks, homeless shelters, youth-focused charities.
In 2021, the Gliders raised $1500 for a relief fund to help the children of Haiti after a terrible earthquake, a hurricane and political upheaval. Additionally, we were able to help two families in financial distress with food and presents for the Christmas.
In 2020, in spite of the covid, we were able to able to help several local families with food and clothes during both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In 2019, the Gliders finished the cross country season with shopping together for food, clothes and presents for several financially distressed families in the area.
In 2018, with the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide food, presents and support for nine children from three families during the holidays.
In 2017 we were able to help nine families with twenty-two children at 4 public schools and one church with over $2,600 in donated funds.
In 2016, The club continued its tradition of helping several needy families during the holidays. Through the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide food, presents and support for six families over the holiday.
In 2015, The club continued its tradition of helping several needy families during the holidays. Through the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide over $3,000 in support to several families
In 2014, the Gliders shopped after the year-end party for presents and gifts for nine children from 3 families form 2 local schools.
In 2013, continued its tradition of helping several needy families during both holidays.
In 2012, focused on supporting a family with 6 children during both holidays.
In 2011, continued the club’s tradition of helping 6 needy families in financial disstress during both holidays.
February 12, 2010 Haiti Relief Fund
Hi Gliders – Through your generous donations we have been able to raise $1000 for our Haiti Relief Fund. The money has been distributed to:
$300 to the Divine Way Ministries Church in Orlando. They have been ministering to a church in Haiti for over a year. The church in Haiti did not get destroyed by the Earthquake (due to fairly new construction) however, many of the Haitian members lost their homes and are currently living in the church until housing can be obtained. Currently the money collected is going for food and water for those thirteen families that are living in the church. This will be an ongoing mission for many years as the church members try to rebuild housing while at the same time finding the essentials to maintain life. The church was referred by a Glider parent. $300 to the Haitian Rescue and Relief Charitable Foundation in Altamonte Springs. The foundation was started by James Sada who has family in Haiti and is also affiliated with members of a fire and rescue team currently in Haiti. James will personally go to Haiti and distribute food and essentials. His organization was referred by Altamonte Sports, our long time partner, since he has been involved with Altamonte Springs youth programs for many years.
$300 to Theodore Fresner who works at Gateway School and is from Haiti. He is desperately trying to help some his family who are there and is also working with his church to raise funds to help rebuild a major hospital located in Port au Prince. Theodore will travel to Haiti after the school year ends and distribute aid. He was referred by a Glider parent who works with him.
$100 is being set aside for a couple of other families that have needs to be funded later.
We will be still be accepting donations. They can be sent to our corporate address below.
In 2009, GLIDERS HELP NEEDY FAMILIES
Thanks to all of the Gliders that helped shop last night and/or contributed donations so we could help the 2 families. We were able to raise $400, a turkey and bought Thanksgiving dinner including some staples plus $50 gift cards from Target. Additionally a small amount of cash was given to the children. The food was delivered last night to the families and they were very appreciative and amazed someone would step forward and help them.
We will also support the two families at Christmas time if some of you still want to donate. Thanks again for your generosity.
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—– Original Message —–
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:41 PM
Subject: needy family update
Because of your generous donations, over the weekend the Gliders were able help the family get more furniture (beds for the children) and gave them another Publix gift certificate.
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 3:08 PM
Subject: Needy family Update
Because of your generous donations, today we able to buy a bedroom full of furniture for $100 for the family from a house liquidation sale. Thanks and any other donations can be made on Tuesday at practice or sent to our corporate address.
Thanks to those that contributed. We were able to raise $140 plus clothes plus food.
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 11:02 AM
Subject: Needy family Update
In the last 3 days I delivered the food & clothes, provided $50 for a utility deposit plus $20 for transportation plus today a $70 Publix food gift card. I will see the family next week and will give them another food gift card. If you still want to contribute any food, money or clothes, either contact me or bring the donations to practice.
Thanks again for your generosity in this family’s time of need.
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In 2008, Glider nation – We are helping a family this summer that was homeless. They have now found a job, moved into an apartment and have transportation; but have hardly any food, clothing or furniture. If you are interested in donating any food, money or clothing to help them get on their feet, please contact Coach Wise. The children are 16 (boy), 14(boy) and 11(girl). Thank you.
THANKSGIVING – HELP A NEEDY FAMILY!!
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November 24th, 2008 Needy Family Donations Thanks to all that donated to the needy family. Yesterday we collected $112 in cash, clothes and food plus gift cards totaling $60 plus we had $100 in previous donations. With that money several of the athletes, their parents and I shopped for the needy family at Publix and bought them $212 of thanksgiving food, staples and some treats. The manger at Publix chipped with several pies for the family also and my neighbor donated a turkey. All the food and clothes were delivered to the social worker last night to give to the family today. If you didn’t get chance to donate this time, we will also support the family for the Christmas holiday with food, clothes and toys for the kids. Donations can be given at our last practices or at the year-end party.
Coach Wise |
June 9, 2008
Central Florida Gliders Track Club
Craig D. Wise, Executive Director & Coach
931 State Road 434
Suite 1201-319
Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32714
Dear Gliders,
I just wanted to take this time to thank you for the many ways you helped needy families this year. You took on a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You extended yourselves to special needs that occurred through out the year. At this years end you provided for the mother dying of cancer with a diagnosis of 3 months to live. While waiting for the agency help to provide for food, you provided. The mother with the eight children who needed shoes and clothing, you provided. The shoes had become a safety issue at physical education for the children. The kindergartener who has repeated and in danger of regression of skills with no summer school provide, you came to his aid with a computer. His teacher was so excited on Friday to learn there was now a way to help him.
May you all have a fun, restful and safe summer. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Matherlyn Smith, MSW, ACSW, SSWS
Seminole County Public Schools
School social worker
PENNIES – PENNIES!!
SAVE THOSE PENNIES !!
In 2007, continued a tradition by helping several families this year during the holidays. The Glider also partnered
with the Track Shack this year to sponsor a food drive to combat hunger during one of their 5k races.
In 2006, the Gliders donated over $1000 to help 3 needy families during the holiday season.
In 2005, in one of its most involved contributions, the club partnered with long-time sponsor, Track Shack Foundation, to raise over $5000 to relocate 2 families devasted by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to Orlando and set them up in a newly furnished apartment.
The Gliders will be continuing our tradition of donating a dinner and money to a needy family for Thanksgiving. This year we are saving pennies to buy food and presents for the family. Please save and donate as many pennies as you can. Additionally, you can donate any meal item that you want (for example canned or boxed goods), or a check. If anyone knows of a business that would like to donate food or presents, it would be very much appreciated. If you have questions, please contact Coach Wise at coachwise@hotmail.com.
SAVE THOSE PENNIES !!
CHRISTMAS – HELP A NEEDY FAMILY!!
The Gliders will be donating food and presents to help this same family during Christmas. You can donate any meal item that you want (canned or boxed goods), presents, clothes or a check. If anyone knows of a business that would like to donate food orpresents, it would be very much appreciated. Any donations that you have, please bring them to the year-end party or contact Craig Wise at coachwise@hotmail.com.
In 2004, donated funds and shopped to help a needy family during the Christmas holiday
In 2003, donated funds and shopped to help a homeless family with children during Thanksgiving & Christmas.
In 2002, each Glider was asked to bring canned/boxed goods or new toys for Christmas. We will also accept checks to buy food, clothes, Christmas presents, toys and other necessities. As last year, we will also be collecting used running shoes, flats or spikes that we will send to needy youth runners overseas.
In 2001, 2000 & 1999, the Gliders donated and supported several local financially distressed families with a number of children.