Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, 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.
Volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Trunk or Treat
The Salvation Army St. Pete Citadel Center is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat, Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3800 9th Avenue N., St. Petersburg.
The purpose of the event is to provide a safe atmosphere for families to enjoy Halloween festivities. It will feature food trucks, a vendor market, a live reptile show, games, face painting, costume contests, prizes and more. Net proceeds will benefit the organization’s social and disaster services in St. Petersburg.
Volunteers are needed beginning at 5 p.m. to decorate trunks, pass out candy or assist wherever needed. Multiple shifts are available.
If interested in volunteering, click here or email devin.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.
If you would like to attend or donate to the event, more information can be found here.
A Night in Italy fundraiser event
Gulfport Senior Center Foundation is presenting a Night in Italy, Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Maria Center, 1500 58th Street S., Gulfport. Doors open at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support the Center’s services and daily programs that help over 600 seniors a day stay healthy, independent and connected.
Tickets start at $50 and include a four-course authentic Italian buffet provided by Pia’s Trattoria and Mazzaro’s, one free drink, a cash bar and live entertainment by Hot Tonic.
The event will also include a silent auction, a wine ring toss and a dance-off with prizes for the winners.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Volunteer with Harbor Dish
Harbor Dish, based in Safety Harbor, transforms donated food into refined cuisine and serves over 20 nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area that provide services to the homeless, home bound seniors, veterans and other underserved communities.
Volunteers are needed to use the company van for food donation pick-ups and deliveries. A clean driving history and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds is required. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, able to work independently, interact in a professional manner and commit to approximately two hours per pick-up/delivery. Training will be provided.
Additional volunteer opportunities with Harbor Dish are also available.
Click here for more information.
15th Street Farm seeks volunteers
The 15th Street Farm is looking for volunteers to tend the soil, welcome guests, provide farm tours and represent the organization at community events by manning the tent and spreading the word. Skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing or repairs are welcome.
Multiple dates are available and no experience is needed.
The 15th Street Farm is located at 342 15th Street N., St. Petersburg.
For available dates and to sign up, click here.
Help set up apartments for new families
Florida Resurrection House, Inc. works to end the cycle of generational poverty and build long term stability for families in the Tampa Bay area.
In addition to providing intensive case management, financial literacy and career training and therapeutic services, the organization offers a safe and secure living environment in a transitional apartment for one to three years.
Once a participant graduates from the program and moves out into the community, the unit they had occupied is prepared for a new family to move in. Volunteers are needed to help make the place look look homey, including hanging shower curtains, stocking the kitchen with dishes and cooking utensils, putting away linens and other finishing touches.
This and other volunteer opportunities with Florida Resurrection House can be found here.
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 seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
