Five ways you can give back this week

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 assistance, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and makes a positive impact on the community.

Teach basketball to local kids

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg’s youth basketball clinics are designed to develop fundamental basketball skills while teaching teamwork, strategy and sportsmanship. Skills taught include passing, shooting, dribbling and the rules of the game. The focus of the youth basketball clinics is to have fun, meet new friends and play in a non-competitive environment. Volunteers are needed to help with the upcoming fall clinic Nov. 27 – Dec. 22 at three YMCA locations throughout St. Pete. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Help clean up the streets

Join the EDGE Business District Association for its Quarterly District Cleanup on Saturday, September 16 at 8 a.m. at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, 1018 Central Avenue. Volunteers will check in, get instructions and equipment, and some treats to fuel your work. The cleanup is two hours long, but volunteers can help for however long they are able to join. The cleanup event can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people in our community who share the same passion for protecting the environment and making a difference. If you’re new to the area, it can be a great way to get familiar with the city and make a few friends.

Clothing donations needed

The Clothing Closet at the Florida Dream Center is running on empty, and they need the community’s help. Donate your gently used clothing to make a difference in someone’s life. Donations can be made Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or Saturday from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. at 4017 56th Ave N St. Petersburg, FL 33714.

Create financial stability 

United Way Suncoast is looking for volunteers to help low-income families and individuals achieve financial independence through financial coaching and the VITA tax preparation program. You can learn more and sign up for these opportunities and more here.

Make the holiday season bright for all

Metropolitan Ministries, a nonprofit working with poor and homeless individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area, needs seasonal help ahead of the holidays. If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of disadvantaged and homeless men, women, and children in your community, this is the job for you. Metropolitan Ministries holds special events during the year all throughout the Tampa Bay Area, from collecting donations to distributing food, but the organization is most known for its trademark Holiday Tent. From October through December, Metropolitan Ministries needs up to 600 volunteers a day to operate efficiently. This is a great opportunity for groups to get involved. Check out this website for more info and to 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 looking for volunteers, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.