Five ways to help the humans and pets of 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.

Stock the St. Pete Community Pantry

The 727 Community Pantry is typically stocked with nonperishable food and is free for anyone in the community to use. Lately, the shelves have been empty, as the community takes full advantage of this mutual aid pantry, especially during the holiday season. You can make sure everyone in St. Pete has access to a healthy meal by donating your extra nonperishable food items or purchasing food to share. The pantry is located at 1046 50th Ave N.

While you’re out and about donating human food, why not pop over to  6511 3rd Avenue S and donate to Hank’s Bark Box, St. Pete’s only community pantry for dog and cat food. Created in memory of an adopted dog, the pet food pantry has helped donate 27 tons of pet food in the past two years to local pet owners in need. The creators of Hank’s Bark Box hope the pet food pantry will prevent those who have fallen on hard times from having to give up their pets due to the high cost of food. If you can’t donate in person, visit the Hank’s Bark Box Facebook page to purchase pet food online and have it shipped.

Double your holiday donation

This Christmas, you can help twice as many people find much-needed hope with Metropolitan Ministries. When you give now and through December 25, your gift will be doubled due to a $100,000 match. You can also sign up to be one of the hundreds of volunteers needed to help distribute food to families in need during the busy holiday season. Donate and register to volunteer at metromin.org.

OneBlood of Tampa Bay reminds us that sustained donor response is crucial to prevent a blood shortage. You can make an appointment at a OneBlood center or visit the Big Red Bus around town and earn tons of rewards, like free Buffalo Wild Wings, gift cards, Busch Gardens tickets and more. See where the Big Red Bus is headed next and what you can score by donating at oneblood.org/promotions-rewards.

Save a pet’s life

Speaking of donating blood, did you know that pet blood banks exist, too? Just as humans require blood transfusions for medical conditions or emergency situations, so do our beloved pets. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of available blood for pets while the need for life-saving blood transfusions grows. Many pet blood banks, including BluePearl, rely on the invaluable contributions of dog and cat donors to help save lives. Learn more on BluePearl’s website or email our nearest BluePearl location at bloodbank.fl@bluepearlvet.com.

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.