Florida Good

The Department of Children and Families is calling for 30 new foster homes in Florida this year. The Partnership for Strong Families along with current foster parents are using stories from individuals who have experience with fostering to promote the cause.

Gainesville celebrated its 31st Arbor Day with a gathering at the Police Department Headquarters. The City Beautification Board planted a tree outside the building to honor fallen officer Scott Baird.

A survey by the University of Florida Dean of Students found that 10 percent of students surveyed were unable to get enough food. To address this need, a new food pantry associated with the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank will be established for students, faculty and staff.

Monday morning, people gathered around Martin Luther King Jr.'s memorial statue downtown to see Vivian Haynes inducted into the MLK Commission of Florida's Hall of Fame.

Gainesville Post Office participates in the Santa Operation program for the first time. The program started receiving letters from across the country starting Dec. 2, and it will match the benefactors until Monday.

The Angel Tree Charity Project helps make sure struggling migrant families have a normal Christmas. Hundreds of families are helped with the charity project.

“We started off as a drop off spot where people could bring old shoes when they bought a new pair, or bring back a defective pair,” Carillo said. “It grew more and more through word of mouth, and now people know to bring their shoes to us.”

Grace Marketplace is asking for the community's help to raise $50,000 in 50 days. The organization will be launching a social media campaign that will begin Dec. 11, which aims to move residents from the shelter into houses and apartments. Supporters can be seen on the corner of University and Main Street, holding cardboard signs asking for money and support, along with the hasthtag, #FundGrace.

The Rev. Thomas A. Wright passed away on Dec. 9. He was the former president of the Alachua County branch of the NAACP, and is remembered by family and friends for his life and service during the civil rights movement.

Hundreds of protesters blocked off traffic at the intersection of University Avenue and 13th Street in Gainesville on Monday evening.