Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
Channel your energy into giving back to the 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.
Girls Inc. Sneaker Gala
Girls Inc. of Pinellas is hosting its annual Sneaker Gala, Saturday, April 25 at The Fort Harrison in Clearwater.
Founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War, Girls Inc. supports and empowers girls to become strong leaders and prepares them for lifelong success. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, supportive spaces and programming that address the challenges girls face and encourage them to take risks, learn from experiences and grow..
This year’s event, titled Fuel Her Fire, will include live entertainment, dancing, cocktails, best dressed awards and exclusive live and silent auctions. Guests are encouraged to pair their favorite gala attire with stylish sneakers. All proceeds will directly support Girls, Inc. of Pinellas programs.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins at 7 p.m. The Fort Harrison is located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue.
For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, click here.
The James Museum downtown cleanup
As part of the 2026 Great American Cleanup, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, is hosting a downtown cleanup Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available.
Participants under the age of 18 need to be signed in by a parent or guardian and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers will meet at the entrance to the museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Parking is available on Levels 3 and 4 of the automated South Core Parking Garage located above the museum.
Become an English Language Learning Volunteer
The Largo Public Library’s English Language Learning program (ELL) is holding a training and orientation workshop Saturday, April 25 from 2 until 4 p.m.
The workshop will include an introduction to the program’s policies and procedures, an in-depth tour of the library and the ability to meet other ELL volunteers.
Upon completion of virtual training sessions, volunteer opportunities include working one-on-one with students, or providing administrative support to the program’s community services librarian. Volunteers can also work with a partner or small team to create four-to-six-week short-term courses.
All volunteers are asked to commit to two hours per week for a minimum of six months.
The Largo Public Library is located at 120 Central Park Drive.
Volunteer for Shells for Shorelines program
Tampa Bay Watch is seeking volunteers to help with its Shells for Shoreline program. Duties include collecting oyster shell donations from partner restaurants, dropping them off at the curing pad and delivering clean buckets back to the restaurants.
Support is needed on a weekly basis, Monday through Friday during business hours.
Volunteers should be able to lift 35 pounds and provide a personal vehicle that is capable of carrying up to ten five-gallon buckets.
Training is required. For more information, click here.
St. Anthony’s seeks Mammography registration volunteers
St. Anthony’s Hospital is seeking volunteers to help navigate patients from the breast cancer waiting room to the Professional Office Building and bring patients from the waiting room to the changing room.
Available shifts include Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from noon until 4 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers must be ages 18 and older and a background check will be required.
St. Anthony’s Hospital’s Breast Center is located at 1200 Seventh Avenue N., St. Petersburg.
Click here to submit a volunteer form.
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.
