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.
Volunteers pass out dog and cat food at the SCPA Tampa Bay’s pet food bank at Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg. Photo: Ashley Morales.
Food donations needed for Tampa Bay pets
SPCA Tampa Bay is broadening its community outreach efforts by expanding pet food banks, offering vaccine clinics and launching grooming services to assist pet owners facing financial challenges. Some of the funding to support these programs has come from grants and support from charitable foundations. SPCA Tampa Bay also relies on cash and in-kind donations, such as donated pet food.
If you have new or gently used pet items or unopened pet food that you would like to donate, you can bring them to SPCA Tampa Bay’s For-All Shelter in Largo or our Veterinary Center in Saint Petersburg.
Support the Lealman Swim Program
The Lealman Swim Program helps children in unincorporated Pinellas County learn life-saving skills. In addition to providing much-needed swimming lessons to area youth, the St. Petersburg Foundation and Lealman Exchange collaborate with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to provide lifeguard training to eligible participants. Providing lifeguard training in Lealman is a strategic initiative that fosters skills development and enhances economic mobility within the community.
Your support ensures this completely donor-funded initiative can continue. Donate online here: https://givebutter.com/Nv5ddB
Help Mitzi find a home
Pet Pal Animal Shelter is looking for an individual or family to adopt Mitzi. A social media post explains this pup’s personality: “Mitzi is the friendliest girl with the most photogenic face! She is truly a little model. She loves to run and play in the yard with her favorite toys. She especially loves to greet everyone with her big contagious smile! She will make a great best friend. Mitzi is a 5-month-old all-American girl.”
You can visit Mitzi and the other Pet Pal animals available for adoption Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 405 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg. Learn more about adopting from Pet Pal Animal Shelter at petpalanimalshelter.com/adoption-faq.
Free pocket pets for teachers
For the entire month of August, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is waiving adoption fees on all pocket pets for educators. Pocket pets include rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and hamsters. These little creatures make wonderful classroom pets, offering an opportunity to teach students about responsibility and empathy.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is also in need of volunteers, in-kind donations and cash donations to continue its mission. Learn more at humanesocietytampa.org/how-to-help.
Volunteer at Girl Scout Fest
The annual Girl Scout Fest event invites girls of all ages and their families to kick off a new year of Girl Scouting with activities and events at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This year’s Girl Scout Fest, hosted by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, will be held Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles to help make this event fun and unforgettable for 2,000+ attendees.
Learn more about the event here and sign up to volunteer 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.
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