What began as a difficult situation for one Sanford small business has grown into a community-wide effort that’s now helping support rescued sloths at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Inside the Historic Sanford Welcome Center this week, volunteers packed t-shirts assembly-line style while stacks of outgoing orders filled the room — all part of a fundraiser that has already raised more than $50,000 for the sloths’ medical care.
The effort started with Whisker Works, a Sanford-based business known for its handcrafted personalized crafts and animal-themed creations. Owner Amber Babcock had previously created custom sloth kits tied to the planned Sloth World attraction in Orlando. When the project unexpectedly fell apart, the business was left with unused inventory and materials that had already been prepared for production.
Rather than letting the kits collect dust, Babcock chose to turn them into something positive.
Whisker Works donated sloth craft kits to support fundraising efforts benefiting the rescued sloths now being cared for at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Around the same time, Sanford Main Street President and Sunshine State Threads co-owner Paul Williams launched a sloth conservation t-shirt fundraiser — with shirts printed locally right here in Sanford and 100% of proceeds benefiting the zoo’s sloth conservation efforts.
As orders quickly began pouring in from across the country, Whisker Works stepped in to help manage online fulfillment and shipping. At the same time, volunteers gathered at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center to sort, pack, and prepare shipments headed nationwide
What started as a local fundraiser has since reached supporters across more than 40 states and Puerto Rico, bringing together animal lovers, families, small businesses, and an entire community united around a shared cause.
Photos courtesy of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Walking through the Welcome Center, it was impossible not to feel the sense of teamwork and heart behind the effort. Volunteers donated their time, local businesses collaborated behind the scenes, and supporters from across the nation rallied around a cause that started right here in Sanford.
Sanford has always found a way to rally around good people and good causes — and this fundraiser is yet another example of the compassion and community spirit that make Seminole County so special.
To support the ongoing fundraiser, sloth conservation t-shirts are available for purchase HERE with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Central Florida Zoo’s sloth care efforts.
About the Author:
Daniella Hume, the owner of Mastropieces Productions, is a versatile creative professional specializing in writing, photography, digital media production, social media management, and video creation. With a deep passion for her community, Daniella’s work aims to inspire and uplift her audience while celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of the people and places around her. Her published work can be found throughout Central Florida and beyond, showcasing her commitment to the Sunshine State and dedication to sharing a positive message.
