Impact
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.
Support summer youth programs
Summer is a critical time for the youth served by Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast. For many, the start of summer signifies not merely a break from school but also exposure to experiences that shape their lives, foster their interests and cultivate their talents.
However, these opportunities are not readily available to every young person. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast is asking donors to support its summer programs for children and teens. Donations can be made online here.
Support a new swimming program
A volunteer is needed to assist with a new swim program at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA in St. Petersburg. The program is from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and interested volunteers must 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 lifesaving skills. Read more about the program here and donate online here.
Grocery distribution in South St. Pete
Every Saturday, Positive Impact Ministries passes out hundreds of boxes of groceries to local families in need. Volunteers help pack boxes and load them into trunks at the drive-up distribution event at Tangerine Plaza.
Karen Rae, executive director of Positive Impact Ministries, said with people on vacation and snowbirds back up north, extra volunteers are needed through the summer to help the nonprofit continue to serve the community.
Individuals, school groups (students 8 years or older), church groups, civic groups, friends and neighbors are welcome. To learn more and sign up, visit PositiveImpact.org.
Eagle Lake Park Beautification Work Day
In 2022, local volunteers planted 150 trees to commemorate the 150th anniversary of National Arbor Day. Thursday, July 25, a follow-up maintenance work day will held at Eagle Lake Park in Largo to support the continued success of the project. Volunteers will assist with mulching, pruning trees, weeding, etc. Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older to participate. Minors need to be accompanied by an adult.
These efforts help make the community healthier, greener and tree-resilient for decades to come. Learn more and sign up here.
Help local teachers fill their classrooms with supplies
Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support (FUELS) is a nonprofit that supports teachers in Title 1 schools by donating items that are not provided by the school district.
“We were founded on the idea that no teacher should have to dip into their own pocket to meet the needs of the students in their classrooms,” said FUELS Co-founder and executive director Melissa Ley.
In addition to education essentials like classroom supplies, FUELS provides teachers with sensory support materials for students in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program and what Ley calls “non-education essentials,” like snacks and hygiene products. Support the nonprofit by donating items or money on its website, fuels4teachers.org.
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.
