ABC Action News Viewer Inspired by Gives Campaign Launches Her Own Donation Drive

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Last year, the ABC Action News Gives campaign donated nearly $8,000 in school uniforms to students at Maximo Elementary School in St. Pete, and the donations continued this school year. This time, viewers took it upon themselves to bring in much-needed supplies.

Lisa Williams saw the original story and knew she could make a difference.

This month, she delivered more than 100 gift bags, each containing a warm, cozy new sweater. For Williams and her friends, it’s the very definition of a special delivery.

“I read that there were over 60 kids who were homeless or living in cars, and I knew we had to do something to help them,” Williams said. “I saw other people in the community pitching in and I thought, ‘Surely we can do something.’”

Lisa was so inspired by the ABC Action News Gives story that she decided to team up with friends and clients from her ad agency, Evolve & Co., to launch their own giving campaign.

“As soon as she called me, she told me the story, and I immediately said ‘yes,’ a big yes,” said Tony Mangiafico of Gratzzi Italian Grill.

First, they collected and delivered two rounds of school supplies, followed by sweater donations.

“I grew up in a single-parent home and I know there were years where our Christmas presents were donated, there were years where my sports uniforms were sponsored by our church, and I feel like it was because of the generosity of my community that I had an equal opportunity with all the other kids,” Williams said.

Maximo Director Ray Dudley was shocked, honored and grateful when Lisa called to ask what she could do to help.

“It just means there is hope for our children and for the future, so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential and be successful,” Dudley said.

Fifth graders Amazeon and Victoria were among the first students to receive the new sweaters and they couldn’t wait to try them on.

“It’s a nice feeling, I think it will be useful because when we get to winter, this sweater will keep people nice and warm,” Victoria said.

Lisa is so proud to be able to do her part and continue to give back as she first saw on ABC Action News.

“I just want them to be warm this winter,” Williams said.