Today, the Suncoast Firefighters and Paramedics Benevolence Campaign helped more than a dozen local charities.

The organization passed out a handful checks.

Since last year, the organization has donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to charities in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. Recipients of the money say they need the it now more than ever.

The union says they raise the funds from dues, boot drives, fundraisers, and specialty tag collections.