The Metropolitan Ministries is collecting food and toys for those in need. The holiday tent goes up in Downtown Tampa from Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas. Donors, sponsors, and 10,000 volunteers come together to help over 24,000 households over the season.
Their mission is to care for the homeless in their community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency.
“Bringing the community together as well as giving and receiving to be able to enhance the ability for all of us to come together as a community,” said James Dunbar, director of outreach at Metropolitan Ministries.
Those interested in donating can visit www.metromin.org to find volunteer and donation locations.
Marine Toys for Tots’ mission is to make a difference in a children’s lives by distributing toys during the holiday season. The Marine Toys for Tots program delivered over 18 million toys to seven million less fortunate children.
Toys for Tots collects unwrapped toys at select drop off locations in the Tampa Bay area. Those interested can find a local campaign location and how to donate on their website at www.toysfortots.org
Macy’s has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help children with medical conditions. The children write a letter to Santa through the Santa mailbox at Macy’s.
Every time you write a letter Macy’s donates one dollar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Those interested can go to www.wish.org to grant a wish, donate to the foundation or learn how to volunteer.
The American Red Cross is helping the victims of Hurricane Michael and the California wildfires, and needs donations.
Their mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
You can donate by text, REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
You can also donate by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or by mail, PO BOX 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839.
To learn more about other ways to donate visit www.redcross.org
By Dana Almasri
