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.
Back 2 School Bash – Daystar Life Packs & Snacks for Kids campaign
The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) and Daystar Life are holding a Back 2 School Bash, Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th Street S., St. Petersburg.
The event is designed to help SPHA families prepare for the upcoming school year. It will feature backpack giveaways, pizza, ice treats, face painting, music by DJ Dondy and family-friendly activities.
As part of its Packs & Snacks for Kids campaign, Daystar Life is collecting backpacks and snacks (including granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, juice boxes and more) through the end of July to be distributed at the Aug. 4 event. All items must be unopened and individually packaged.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Daystar Life, 1055 28th Street S., St. Petersburg.
Items may also be purchased on Daystar Life’s Amazon Wishlist website.
To learn more about the Packs & Snacks for Kids campaign, click here.
Charity Tea Party benefiting Youth Mentoring
Clearwater Community Volunteers Center (CCVC) is hosting a charity tea party to support Chandelier Transformation Youth Mentoring (CTYM), Saturday, July 25 from 3 to 5 p.m.
CTYM helps girls and teens build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and throughout their career by offering mentoring, leadership development, college and career readiness and hands-on STEM and technical training.
CCVC will be collecting in-kind donations at the event. Items include toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, body wash or soaps, hair care items, small toiletry bags and feminine hygiene products.
The tea party is free to attend by bringing one or more donated items.
Clearwater Community Volunteers Center is located at 133 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater.
Click here to reserve your spot at the party or to learn more about donations.
Pinellas County Urban Forestry Workday
Pinellas County Urban Forestry and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are holding a volunteer workday, Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Lealman neighborhood.
Volunteers will help with weeding and mulching at right-of-way trees along local roadways.
Participants are required to wear closed toe shoes such as boots or sneakers. Long pants and long sleeves, along with sun protection, are recommended. All supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available.
Volunteers under the age of 18 needed to be signed in by a parent or guardian and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
Volunteers will meet at Lealman Neighborhood Park, 3890 55th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Street parking is available near the park.
Be a Road to Recovery volunteer driver
The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers in the Pinellas County area to drive cancer patients who lack reliable transportation to and from medical and other appointments.
Rides are listed as one-way segments, however drivers are encouraged to provide transportation both to and from destinations.
Volunteers must be ages 18-84, have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record, use a reliable vehicle, pass a background and motor vehicles record check and complete training on how to use the online ride scheduling tool.
Rides are typically scheduled Monday through Friday during the day. Volunteers can commit to driving weekly, bi-monthly, monthly or seasonally.
To learn more and to sign up, click here.
Volunteer at the Blue Urban Project Thrift Store
The Blue Urban Project is a St. Petersburg veteran-founded nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance blue urbanism by connecting people, cities and marine ecosystems to build communities that are healthier, safer and more sustainable.
Earlier this year, the organization opened a thrift store at 1620 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, with the goal of providing quality items to individuals and families in underserved areas. The store also plans to hold free workshops to educate the community about blue urbanism as well as serve as a place for free resources when emergencies, such as hurricanes, may strike.
The thrift store is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with checkout services, administrative tasks, sorting out donations and more.
More information about The Blue Urban Project can be found here.
To fill out a volunteer form, click here.
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.
