PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – This February, the Pinellas County Tax Collector offices have their hearts in a good place as they team up with the Florida Heart Research Foundation to raise awareness and funds for heart-healthy living.
“Heart Month” has been celebrated in Pinellas tax collector offices for many years, promoting awareness about heart disease by raising funds for education and research here in Florida. The employees share heart-health facts, join in “National Wear Red Day” – the first Friday in February, and raise funds for the Florida Heart Research Foundation through customer donations and the sale of specialty FL Heart merchandise.
Throughout February, tax collector employees are hoping to make their customers’ hearts soar with a great selection of merchandise available for purchase – such as sunglasses, socks, drawstring backpacks, cooling towels, bracelets, and more.
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All proceeds are sent directly to the FL Heart Research Foundation for use in education and awareness efforts. Anyone who makes a voluntary contribution of $1 or more will also receive a special thank-you gift this month.
Customers will also be offered the option to switch to the “Stop Heart Disease” specialty license plate. The renewal revenue goes directly to the foundation for research, educational programs, and prevention grants. During February, this plate will be eligible for a rebate of up to $85 to cover most of the first-year fees.
“Our team always enjoys Heart Month’ because this partnership allows us to give back to our community, not only financially, but also by helping others make healthier, and possibly lifesaving, choices,” Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas says.
According to the CDC, for both men and women, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Cardiovascular disease claims a life every 34 seconds. Heart disease costs our nation about $229 billion each year.
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The Florida Heart Research Foundation is an international leader in cardiovascular research and education. Since its founding in 1944, the foundation has focused on innovative research efforts to further understand heart disease and its causes, prevention, and treatment. It also funds heart disease education and prevention efforts like “Heart Month.”
For more information about the organization and the “Stop Heart Disease” license plate, visit floridaheart.org.
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