With holiday season just around the corner, you may be looking for some ways to spread holiday cheer throughout Tampa Bay. Crossing off a wish on someone’s list can create memories that last a lifetime. And no gift is too small! The Tampa Bay area has no shortage of great organizations dedicated to making our community a better and safer place for all. Here are five local organizations you can support this holiday season.
Metropolitan Ministries
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Metropolitan Ministries has made a renowned impact throughout Tampa Bay. In just one year, roughly four million meals are served, aiding 95,000 local families in the six surrounding counties. The annual holiday tent serves as an accessible way for individuals to bring items in need so they can be distributed accordingly.
Holiday Tent Location & Times
Items In Demand
Volunteering Opportunities
The Spring of Tampa Bay
The Spring of Tampa Bay has been serving Tampa Bay for more than four decades by protecting and providing safe spaces for domestic violence survivors. Education and creating positive change in the community is a mission they support daily. During the holidays, you can adopt a family to provide unforgettable memories to them. They also have an amazon wish list, where the items go directly to the shelter and the survivors.
Adopt a Family with The Spring of Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay has a mission to change lives one meal at a time. Serving ten surrounding counties, they are dedicated to creating a hunger-free Tampa Bay by 2025. Their reach extends to one million families in need of their next meal. Feed the Season is a holiday giving event that collects donations to not only provide families with a holiday meal, but unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Toys for Tots: Tampa
U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots serves the community by delivering new toys to children for Christmas. These toy donations aim to provide less fortunate youth with a message of hope to inspire them to be responsible citizens in the future. In 2021, they were able to donate more than 57,000 toys that supported almost 28,000 children. Toys for Tots Tampa has drop-off locations (link) throughout many surrounding counties. Find them here!
Joshua House
Since 1992, Joshua House has been providing a safe haven for children-in-need. They strive to create family-like environments for children to promote growth and provide stability. Joshua House has been a sanctuary for hundreds of children. They are holding their annual holiday gift drive (link) to provide presents to their foster children, not only for the holidays but for birthdays and special occasions throughout the year.