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.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Toy Drive
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is hosting a Toy Donation Drive, Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. for its Child Life Department.
Playing with toys provides comfort, offers distractions and helps with the stress and challenges of hospitalization for patients and family members.
Infant and toddler toys, action figures and cars and trucks are especially needed.
All donations can be dropped off at the Hospital Front Circle, 501 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
For more information and to read the program’s Toy Donation Guidelines, click here.
If you are not able to make it to the donation drive, you can shop the Child Life Department’s Amazon Wish List here.
Daystar Garden Workday
Daystar Life Center and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are joining together for a morning of community gardening, Saturday, July 18 from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to assist with replacing boards on the Old Side garden, setting tiles under new boards and filling the new beds with soil.
Closed toe shows such as boots or sneakers, weather appropriate clothing and sun protection is recommended. All supplies will be provided, and a water refill station will be available onsite.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian, and volunteers under 15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
Daystar Life Center is located at 1055 28th Street S., St. Petersburg.
Volunteer with Random Acts of Flowers
Random Acts of Flowers Tampa Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Dunedin, strives to improve the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities.
The organization works with florists, grocery stores, funeral homes and private events to gather flower arrangements, including vases, ribbons, wire and foam, and repurpose them into bouquets that are delivered to ill or injured patients. Healthcare professionals help determine the recipients who are most in need of extra hope and encouragement.
Volunteer opportunities include picking up donated flowers and vases; sorting, composting and organizing flowers; arranging fresh bouquets; delivering bouquets throughout the community; and lending a hand at special events.
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and every child must sign a Youth Waiver form. Most shifts are during daytime hours Monday through Thursday. Training is provided.
Random Acts of Flowers is located at 648 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin.
To learn more and to sign up, click here.
Bingo for Paws of Love Animal Rescue
Paws of Love Animal Rescue protects unwanted, neglected, abandoned, sick, injured and abused animals in the Tampa Bay area.
On Saturday, July 25 from 3 to 5 p.m., Paws of Love is hosting a Bingo fundraiser to raise money for food, medical care and shelter for rescued animals. The event will include Bingo games and prizes, a playground for kids and a Paint a Wine Glass station.
Tickets are $10 and includes three bingo cards. Food will be available for purchase.
The event will take place at John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road S., Palm Harbor – Shelter 7.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Good Neighbors seeks volunteers
Good Neighbors collects food from local businesses that would otherwise be thrown out at the end of the day, and puts it into the hands of those who need it most. It receives food donations from 250 businesses and organizations, and provides meals to 20,000 individuals in Pinellas County every month.
Good Neighbors seeks strong and dependable volunteers to help receive, sort and load food. Multiple helpers are needed Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, and at least one helper on other days. Busiest times are between 9 a.m. and noon. Anywhere from one to three hours can make a difference.
Good Neighbors is located at 1676 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.
The volunteer application can be found 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.
