The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to give back to your community than by supporting local charities? There are thousands of charities across the country that are in constant need of donations and volunteers. Here in our local Tampa Bay area, many great organizations are doing amazing work. We would like to highlight a few that need your help this holiday season. Whether it is food, toys, or cash donations, every little bit helps.
Metropolitan Ministries
"We serve 75,000 meals each month in Tampa Bay and at partner sites around Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Pinellas counties. And, during Thanksgiving and Christmas, Metropolitan Ministries serves more than 22,000 families in need with holiday meals. There are so many ways you can help!
- Give a Box of Hope: Each food box is filled with nutritious essentials from our Metro Market and will feed a family for three days.
- Provide Hot Meals: A good, hot meal is a step toward hope. Nutritious, hot meals for individuals and families are prepared at Metropolitan Ministries and distributed to partner sites.
- Volunteer: Serve a meal, host a food drive, stock shelves in the Metro Market, or serve in the Holiday Tent."
Helping Hands
"Countryside Cares maintains the food pantry, Helping Hands as an outreach service to those in need. The program encourages and provides homeless and low-income families with the tools needed to become independent and productive members of the community. Food & clothing from the pantry is offered to:
- Individuals and needy families
- Clients receiving life skills coaching who need assistance
- Individuals referred from partnering service providers
- Past clients who need further assistance"
Oldsmar Cares
"Get Involved: Volunteers are needed at the pantry to assist clients and process clothing and food donations. Tasks include greeting visitors, sorting, folding, and stocking. We also need volunteers for other areas of service. If you have a heart to serve, we will train you."
"Make A Donation: Any amount makes a huge impact because Oldsmar Cares is 100% volunteer run, and the money you donate goes directly to those in need. Monetary donations can be made online or by check mailed to: Oldsmar Cares P.O. Box 981, Oldsmar, FL 34677."
Ronald McDonald House
"Our core program is the Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home that provides comfort, support, and resources to families who travel far from home for the medical care their child needs. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay Chapter is comprised of 4 Houses, 3 in St. Petersburg and 1 in Tampa offering 80 bedrooms with private baths located near local pediatric hospitals. We are owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay, a 501c3 non-profit Florida corporation whose board consists of representatives from our community leaders, McDonald's corporation, the medical profession, and other interested individuals."
Friends Of Joshua House Foundation
"Hundreds of children have passed through Joshua House since it opened. Each story of abuse and neglect is as unique as the child's. With five homes on 11 acres, Joshua House promotes growth, stability, and support specific to each child's needs. Keeping sibling groups together is just one of the many ways Joshua House makes a difference. Acting as the fundraising arm of this fine program, Friends of Joshua House Foundation raises resources, develops solutions, and supports Tampa Bay's most vulnerable citizens…its children."
