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.
Sunscreen Film Festival seeks volunteers
The Sunscreen Film Festival is organized and presented by the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, which is dedicated to educating the public about the art of visual storytelling.
This year’s festival takes place Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of eight hours. Roles include helping in the box office, assembling and moving items, ushering at theater doors and filling in wherever it is needed most.
In exchange for their time, volunteers will receive a complimentary Cinephile day pass, which provides access to films, parties, workshops and panels.
Anyone under the age of 18 who wants to volunteer will require an adult signature on a waiver.
For more information about the Sunscreen Film Festival, click here. To fill out a volunteer form, click here.
Volunteer Appreciation 2026
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay is hosting Volunteer Appreciation 2026, Thursday, April 30 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.
The event is dedicated to recognizing individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference. It is free of charge and everyone is welcome. The evening will include food, drinks, mingling with other volunteers and shuffleboard.
The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is located at 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg.
To learn more, click here.
Information about volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay can be found here.
SOUL Jungle Lake Cleanup
Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, is hosting its next cleanup of Jungle Lake at Walter Fuller Park, Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including lake debris removal, invasive vegetation removal, native plant installation and water sample collection.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, such as boots or sneakers, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. All supplies will be provided, including gloves, waders, trash bags, pickers, sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer. A water refill station will be available. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will meet near the Walter Fuller Dog Park, 7901 30th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Parking is available.
Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside Nuts & Bolts orientation
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is holding a Nuts & Bolts orientation Thursday, May 7 from noon until 1 p.m. at its Homeowner Education Center in Clearwater.
The one-hour session is for those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with the Habitat homeownership program. Participants will receive information on Habitat’s pillars – apply, donate, volunteer and advocate – and how they can get involved in each area.
Habitat’s Homeowner Education Center is located at 13355 49th Street N., Suite B.
Swim Across America – Tampa Bay seeks volunteers
Swim Across America was founded in 1987 to host charity swims that fund cancer research and patient programs. The Tampa Bay chapter was established in 2012 and has raised more than $2.2 million for local beneficiaries.
The 15th annual Tampa Bay Open Water Swim takes place Saturday, May 9 at SPA Beach at the St. Pete Pier. All proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer care and search at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Volunteers are needed for set-up the day before and beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday. Land volunteers help with swimmer check-in, finish line support, hospitality and post-event cleanup. Water volunteers provide support to event officials and swimmers to monitor the swim lane, keep an eye out and communicate any swimmer issues or concerns.
The St. Pete Pier is located at 600 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg. Follow this link and click “Register” to sign up as a volunteer.
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.
