United Way Suncoast has opened appointment registrations for its free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Households earning up to $96,000 throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties can receive tax preparation services. The nonprofit will also host a "Tax-A-Thon" event Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Enoch Davis Center in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit the website here.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced that cold night shelters will open Thursday night throughout Pinellas County as the National Weather Service expects "feels like" temperatures of 40 degrees or below between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The Pinellas County Suncoast Transit Authority will provide free bus rides to and from shelters, which provide a warm and safe place to sleep. Many also serve a meal. Shelters in St. Petersburg include the Unitarian Universalist Church at 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N., Salvation Army at 1400 4th St. S. and Allendale Church at 3803 Haines Rd. N. To volunteer, visit the website here.
The City of St. Petersburg is now accepting applications for its Community Food Grant program, which will provide one $50,000 and two $25,000 awards for innovative projects that "create a more inclusive and resilient food landscape for all residents." Health St. Pete is overseeing the competitive grant program to further the city's community-centered Healthy Food Action Plan. To learn more about the initiative and apply, visit the website here.
The St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Foundation is inviting Florida nonprofits to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Organizations that support careers for military veterans, share the "American story" and "care for our country" through public cleanups and revitalization can apply until Feb. 20. The program, created in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, will distribute $1 million. For more information, visit the website here.
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will host its 5K Run on the Track event Thursday, Feb. 26. Interested runners and walkers can now register online for an advanced price of $40. The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg will again receive 100% of the registration proceeds to support myriad programs that benefit local underserved children. For more information, visit the website here.
A week's worth of celebrations known as Kwanzaa St. Pete begins Friday with the 12th Annual First Night event. The free, family-friendly celebration is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Pete Youth Farm. Festivities include drumming, performances, food and more, all set against a backdrop of the harvest.
The Leapfrog Group, a watchdog organization that promotes quality, safety and transparency in the nation's health system, has recognized 15 top children's hospitals in the U.S. Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital made the nonprofit's Top Hospitals list for a fourth consecutive year. The St. Petersburg-based institution remains the only pediatric hospital in the Tampa Bay area to receive the prestigious recognition.
The St. Petersburg Police Department distributed 175 bicycles to underserved children at a special holiday event Sunday. St. Pete Folls Charities donated the bicycles and food for attendees. Officers provided helmets, locks and lights, while railroad company CSX and the First Responders Children's Foundation donated toys.
Tampa-based Slide Insurance partnered with No Child Hungry and gathered over 500 volunteers, including representatives from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning, to pack 175,000 meals Friday for distribution to food-insecure families throughout the area. The event is part of the insurer's "Slide it Forward" philanthropic program and represented a 40% year-over-year increase in the number of meals packed. Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean, mascot Captain Fear and cheerleaders participated alongside volunteers.
Humble Beginnings, a community-focused nonprofit founded by two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling, will host its annual Essential Packs Community Distribution Event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The event at 1055 28th St. S. provides families and youth with free hygiene products, personal care items, food staples, sanitary supplies, seasonal clothing, health screenings and barber services. Partnerships with Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and Daystar Life will provide transportation to the event.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters and IAFF Local 747 are asking for the community to help make the holiday season brighter for local children. The 3rd Annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter at 3501 34th St. S. Attendees can meet first responders, take photos and drop off a toy that will go directly to local children, from toddlers to teens.
The St. Petersburg Police Department is warning motorists to expect significant delays Sunday on 49th Street due to the 2025 Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson Toy Run. Myriad motorcyclists will begin their ride at 9:30 a.m. from the dealership at 10525 49th Street N., head south through multiple cities and cross over to the beach communities before returning to Bert's. Officers stationed along 49th Street North and South will temporarily close intersections for the procession until noon Sunday.
