Five ways you can give back this week

Giving back to the community never goes out of style, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where your efforts are most needed. If you’re searching for the perfect volunteer opportunity, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that are in need of assistance. We’re certain you’ll find something that matches up with your interests, location and schedule.

Youth Sports Coach

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is looking for youth sports coaches (must be at least 18 years old), referees/officials, practice helpers (assist coaches with drills, etc.), game-day workers (stats, clock, setup and breakdown). Weekly time commitment: About two hours. This is a great opportunity to work directly with local youth and make a positive impact on their lives. Learn more and sign up here.

Summer Service Program

Tampa Bay Watch is offering high school students an opportunity to earn community service hours this summer. The program is scheduled to take place on Wednesday mornings 9 a.m. to noon, from June 7 to July 19 at the Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, 33715. The minimum age to participate is 15 years old. Examples of projects include assisting with native plantings, oyster shell recycling, cleaning fishing line, and coastal cleanups.  Interested students should email rarndt@tampabaywatch.org with a cell phone number and the dates they’d like to participate.

CASA Volunteer Open House

If you’re looking for rewarding volunteer opportunities in Pinellas County and would like to support domestic violence survivors and their children, sign up for CASA’s Volunteer Open House June 28 at 11 a.m. Challenging the societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence, CASA is a local nonprofit that stands up to silence through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services. Learn more and sign up here.

Donate Items to Local Shelter Pets

From cat treats to dog toys, SPCA Tampa Bay needs much more than cuddles to care for the animals in their shelter. By purchasing and donating items from the Chewy wish list, you help enrich the lives of the animals in their care. If you have gently used pet items or other donations that you would prefer to drop off, you can bring them to the For-All Shelter in Largo or the Veterinary Center in Saint Petersburg. Click here for a list of items SPCA currently needs.

Adaptive Sailing

Sailability Tampa Bay is a nonprofit that helps people of all abilities to learn the joy and freedom of sailing. Our community sailing events meet the 2nd Saturday of each month, and volunteers are always in high demand and greatly appreciated. Our volunteers learn to rig boats, sail, and coach other sailors. There are also plenty of chores available for landlubbers, including administrative tasks, boat maintenance, fundraising and regatta support. Volunteers can collect hours for community service and school credit. Contact us to learn more about volunteering with Sailability Tampa.

If your organization is looking for volunteers, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.