Impact
Five ways to make a positive impact in St. Pete
If you’re searching for a way to give back to your community, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your help, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.
Shop now to support a holiday toy drive
Spread the joy this Christmas at the annual Adopt-a-Claus Festival hosted by the Florida Dream Center. You can purchase holiday gifts that ensure every child in our community has something under the tree on Christmas Day. Let Amazon Elves do the shopping for you and deliver gifts directly to the Florida Dream Center: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1J6ZSU86JXKKX
Become a youth mentor
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is seeking adult volunteers (called Bigs) to serve as mentors and positive role models for children (called Littles) through one-on-one relationships. With more than 700 children on the waiting list, the need for caring adults is greater than ever. Traditional programs include picking up your Little a couple of times each month and participating in activities you both enjoy, or seeing them for one hour each week at school. To learn more, attend one of the weekly virtual orientations: bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big
Spend lunch with a local kid
Lunch Pals is a mentorship program through Pinellas County Schools where just 30 minutes once per week can have a lasting impact on a child. Mentors have a weekly in-person or virtual lunch with a child in need of an adult mentor. Learn more and sign up for an upcoming mentor workshop at pcsb.org/lunchpals.
Support a no-kill shelter
Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s mission is to rescue dogs and cats from shelters, animals that may otherwise be euthanized. The No-Kill Animal Shelter has been saving animals in St. Pete since 1988. Volunteers of all ages are needed, including at the shelter and at Pet Pal’s thrift store. See the creatures Pet Pal is saving and join the cause at petpalanimalshelter.com/volunteer.
Volunteer at St. Pete’s largest running event
St. Pete Run Fest, the City of St. Petersburg’s official running event, is set to return to Albert Whitted Park Nov. 10-12. Run Fest is looking for more volunteers to help fill the approximately 400 roles needed to make the weekend-long event run smoothly. Volunteers enjoy a front-row view of the action and help the thousands of participants achieve their goal of crossing the finish line. All volunteers will receive an official Run Fest Volunteer Crew shirt, morning coffee and refreshments. Learn more and sign up on the Run Fest website.
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is looking for volunteers, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
