Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved 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 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.
Donate phone chargers for domestic abuse survivors
Hope Villages of America is collecting new and used phone chargers for domestic abuse survivors. These devices can be lifesaving, providing a crucial connection to help loved ones.
Drop off chargers or monetary donations at 1403 N. Fort Harrison Ave. in Clearwater from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Be a Christmas Elf for Pinellas County Families
The Florida Dream Center needs toys for its annual Christmas gift drive. Donations must be received by Dec. 14. You can help by:
- Dropping off toys at 4017 56th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
- Shopping through their Amazon Gift Link and have toys directly shipped to the Florida Dream Center
- Donating online and let the Dream Center do the shopping
- Volunteering at wrapping parties or Adopt-a-Claus events
To volunteer at a wrapping party or an Adopt-a-Claus event, email Dawn Birch at dawn@floridadreamcenter.org or call 727-851-9074.
Support Operation Toy Soldier for veteran families
Operation Toy Soldier, partnering with Veterans Funeral Care and the Florida Veterans Coalition, aims to support 300 veteran families this holiday season. However, the organization reports giving is down this year.
“With financial strains and rising costs of living weighing heavily on many, this year’s mission is more urgent than ever,” said Beau Blouin, Chief Advancement Officer at the Florida Veterans Coalition. “Normally, there are 40 boxes of toys filled at various locations. We only have 12 boxes so far.”
You can contribute by:
- Donating new, unwrapped toys at designated collection points
- Sponsoring a toy box for $400
- Volunteering for toy collection and distribution on Dec. 18
For more information and a list of drop-off locations for toy donations, visit operationtoysoldier.com.
Double your impact with Seniors in Service
Seniors in Service’s 2024 Geared Up to Give Campaign offers a unique opportunity to double your donation’s impact. Suncoast Credit Union will match donations dollar for dollar up to $90,000. Your contribution will support tutoring, mentoring and feeding programs for seniors, veterans and families in need in the Tampa Bay area.
You can donate online here.
Participate in CASA Pinellas’ Hope for The Holidays Drive
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is partnering with CASA Pinellas to collect gifts for domestic violence survivors. Donate items such as toys, games, electronics and gift cards at Doc Ford’s St. Pete Pier and Jungle Terrace locations.
You can also shop CASA’s Amazon wishlist or donate directly to the nonprofit online at this link.
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.
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