Impact
Five ways you can 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 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.
Distribute groceries to families in need
In partnership with Publix, Sam’s Club, Aldi and The Fresh Market, Positive Impact Ministries distributes free groceries every Saturday at Tangerine Plaza in St. Petersburg. Volunteers are needed to help sort food, pack boxes of groceries and lift them into cars for recipient families. Individuals, school groups, church groups, civic groups, friends and neighbors are welcome. Learn more and sign up here.
Get dressed up and give back at the Mardi Gras Masquerade
Children’s Home Society is looking for volunteers to help at its Inspire Gala in downtown St. Pete Saturday, April 6. The theme of the event is Mardi Gras Masquerade. Volunteers will help set up and tear down the event, as well as ensuring sure the gala runs smoothly with various tasks throughout the evening. Use the online form here to get more details.
Volunteer opportunity for baseball fans
The All Smilez Loving Care Foundation is seeking volunteers to help sell concessions during the 2024 Tampa Bay Rays baseball season. Learn more about the organization and volunteer opportunities here.
Match a major donation to support St. Pete Free Clinic
A St. Petersburg couple recently made a transformational $1 million gift to St. Petersburg Free Clinic (SPFC), a nonprofit that provides nutritious food, supportive housing, health care and education. Along with their million-dollar gift, the donors are looking to generate additional funding for SPFC by challenging the community to match it. CEO Jennifer Yaegley said the need for SPFC’s services has increased significantly, noting that nearly 50% of people in Pinellas County cannot make ends meet due to increased costs of living. You can donate online, or email development@thespfc.org to learn about other avenues to support SFPC.
Hand out and collect Exhibit Visitor Surveys at Poynter Park
Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote inclusion, kindness and respect. One way the nonprofit accomplishes this is through an annual international art exhibition in St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park. Embracing Our Differences is searching for volunteers who can spend one to two hours at Poynter Park handing out and collecting exhibit surveys. To register, visit this 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 seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
Alfred Wendler
March 11, 2024at11:46 am
The same dynamic force behind Positive Impact Ministry’s weekly food give away, Karalynne Brubaker, is also seeking to purchase Tangerine Plaza to further her ministry’s goals.
Unlike other groups chosen by the current and previous St. Pete administration to activate the plaza, Karalynne has always exceeded expectations and delivered on her vision. When she first approached me about utilizing one of the vacant units in the center in response to the Covid pandemic, the concept was a short term tenancy. Then I got a call requesting more space as the need she served was greater than anticipated and she took a second unit. Four years later she is still delivering on her vision.
Hopefully she is successful in acquiring the plaza and continuing to serve the community as she has been doing for years.