Five ways to get involved and give back 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.
Volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay’s new facility
Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the region, has opened a massive new 215,000-square-foot facility called the Causeway Center. This allows the nonprofit to nearly double its capacity to distribute food throughout the 10-county area it serves, which means an army of volunteers of all ages is needed to help unpack and sort food items. Volunteers can sign up online and enjoy the Causeway Center’s new state-of-the-art volunteer lounge before and after their volunteer shift.
Kick off the holiday weekend with a community cleanup
Fusion 49th District, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of Gulfport and the City of St. Petersburg, will host a 49th Street Corridor Cleanup event Saturday, May 25 at Trolley Market Square, 4900 Tangerine Avenue South. The event will take place from 9-11 a.m. and both residents and business owners are encouraged to attend.
Become a Citizen Forester
St. Pete’s Office of Sustainability is recruiting Citizen Foresters to help plant trees throughout the city. The tree planting initiative is a partnership with neighborhood associations. So far, more than 100 residents helped plant trees throughout St. Pete in 2024.
To learn more about the tree planting program or become a volunteer Citizen Forester, email dean.hay@stpete.org.
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Support a new swimming program
Two volunteers are needed to assist with a new swim program in the Lealman neighborhood during June and July. Volunteers need to commit to 10 hours per week and pass a level 2 background check. For more information, call the Lealman Exchange at (727) 464-5404.
You can also donate to support the effort, which helps children in unincorporated Pinellas County learn life-saving skills and promotes a local job readiness program. Donate online here.
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Volunteer for Adopt-a-Block program
The Florida Dream Center’s Adopt-a-Block program is a community outreach initiative that serves inside the pockets of poverty within Pinellas County. Every Saturday morning (rain or shine), teams go out into the community to provide services to the homeless, home-bound, elderly, veterans, disabled and low-income individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
Distribution Teams assist with food, clothing and hygiene items. Neighborhood Outreach Teams are placed with an experienced volunteer guide, walking through neighborhoods to identify needs and how to help. If you have the time and desire to make a difference, visit this website to learn more and sign up.
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.
