Fifth Annual Linens and Love Drive

Sarasota, Fla. [March 2026] — **Community generosity provided nearly 2,500 linen items and $3,750 in donations to support patients and families in need**

**Sarasota, FL** – Empath Health’s Tidewell Foundation celebrated the continued success in its fifth annual Linens and Love drive, collecting 2,485 individual linen items and $3,750 in monetary donations throughout the month of March. The community-wide initiative, conducted in partnership with Dignity Memorial, establishes a new benchmark for compassionate giving in the region.

The drive operated through drop-off locations across Empath Health’s service area, encompassing Charlotte, Desoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Community members could contribute through physical donations, online purchases or monetary donations, demonstrating the program’s accessibility and community reach.

“We are deeply grateful to our business partner, Dignity Memorial, and to our community for their generous commitment to providing compassionate care for patients in need,” said Delesa Morris, President of Tidewell Foundation.

Tidewell Hospice serves nearly 10,000 patients annually through its comprehensive hospice services. The collected linens address critical needs for Tidewell Hospice patients, particularly those receiving hospital beds at home who require XL twin sheets. Additionally, the program supports families facing financial hardship by providing clean, quality linens that enhance patient comfort and provide families peace of mind.

Dignity Memorial’s partnership has been instrumental in the program’s growth since its inception four years ago. This year, the network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers contributed additional drop-off locations, significantly expanding the drive’s community reach.

The success of the Linens and Love drive reinforces Tidewell Hospice’s position as a cornerstone of community wellness, supported by philanthropic partnerships that amplify the organization’s impact throughout the region.

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ABOUT TIDEWELL FOUNDATION

Tidewell Foundation Inc., a member of Empath Health, is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable foundation established to ensure perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health programs and services in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Charitable contributions to the Tidewell Foundation sustain and grow the critically important programs and services provided through the non-for-profit mission of Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health affiliates. Donor-funded programs offer compassion and comfort to those who need it most in our community by caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It starts with generosity and is paid forward with every patient connection, family served, and life changed. Learn more about how donations support our community at TidewellFoundation.org.