Holiday Collection Center
Through Dec. 20
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
State Rep. Sara Romeo opens her office as a convenient holiday collection station. Donations of food, toys and more can be dropped off and will be distributed by the First United Church of Tampa. Romeo's office is at 4211 E. Busch Blvd., Suite C, Tampa. Call 813-983-3100 for more information.

Holiday Tribute Program
For the friend or relative who already has everything: Make a donation to Meals on Wheels of Tampa in their name. No minimum donation, and MOW sends a holiday recognition card to each honoree announcing the gift. A $15 donation feeds one elderly homebound person for a week. Mail donations to: Meals on Wheels of Tampa, 550 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33603. Or call 813-238-8410.

Puppies in Need of Help
The Humane Society of North Pinellas has taken custody of 38 puppies, plus a mother still nursing six puppies, that were scheduled to be euthanized by the Valley Ridge North Carolina Animal Shelter due to overcrowding. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting these puppies or other animals can stop by the shelter at 3040 S.R. 590, Clearwater. For more information call, 727-797-7722.

Holiday Tribute Gift Program
H. Lee Moffitt offers this program as a meaningful way to recognize and honor family, friends, employees and clients. For a minimum of $25 per honoree, Moffitt will make a donation in their name and send a personalized holiday card notifying the honoree of the gift. The center's on the USF-Tampa campus, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa. Call Matt Novak at 813-632-1403.

Be an Angel
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program provides holiday gifts for poverty-stricken children who may otherwise go without this season. Gifts are provided solely through donations by corporations and individuals, and much help is needed. To donate money, toys or to organize a drive, call 866-448-2672.

Metropolitan Ministries
MetMin, which feeds thousands of homeless and poverty-stricken locals each month, is experiencing a severe food shortage. With holidays fast approaching, the agency needs not only donations of food, but gifts for all ages as well. To organize a drive, call 813-209-1007. To make a credit card donation, call 813-209-1017. Bring or mail food donations to 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.

RCS Food Pantry Donations
The Religious Community Services Food Pantry, which gives groceries to more than 3,000 people each month, is desperately in need of donations. To offer food or monetary gifts, contact RCS at 727-443-4031.

—Compiled by Nina Banez

This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2001.