Help for the Holidays Tampa Bay residents have funneled plenty of funds to worthy organizations this year, including the various Sept. 11 charities. However, many local organizations need that same help now, especially during the holiday season. Please take a moment to peruse the following small list of local nonprofits in need, and help any way you can.
RCS Food Pantry Donations The Religious Community Services Food Pantry and other RCS programs (The Haven, Grace House, etc.) need volunteers, food and other items. Call RCS at 727-443-4031.
Metropolitan Ministries Turkeys and assorted food is needed, as well as tens of thousands of toys, to aid roughly 4,500 families this Christmas. Call 813-209-1017 or bring donations to 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Meals on Wheels Food and/or monetary donations are needed to feed approximately 450 homebound, elderly and special needs citizens. Send contributions to 550 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33603. Call 813-238-8410.
Salvation Army The Sally's seeking toys for poverty stricken children, food donations for Christmas dinner, and operable, used cars, boats, campers and RVs. Call 866-448-2672. For vehicle receipts and pick-up, call 800-95-TRUCK.
MOSI The Museum of Science and Industry is collecting new teddy bears for underprivileged children. Call 813-987-6100 or visit www.mosi.org.
Brookwood Florida This therapeutic group home for abused females needs holiday gifts for the 52 girls (ages 11-21) currently residing in the home. Call 727-822-4789.
Hospice New, unwrapped gifts are being collected by Hospice, who provides support and a bit of holiday cheer for children whose parents have HIV/AIDS. Call 813-895-8358 or 813-468-0236.
Joshua House The Joshua House currently cares for 60 abused and/or neglected children. Find out what's on their wish lists by calling 813-949-8946.
Food for the Community Non-perishable food items are being accepted for various organizations through the end of the year at all Kash n' Karry and Publix locations, as well as at all branches of First Union Bank and Bank of America. Call 813-274-0918.
Pinellas County Nonprofit Referral Service There are so many more wonderful charities in need of our help. Pinellas County residents can find out where help is needed most (along with a host of other services) by simple picking up the phone and dialing 211. For information about this service, call 727-550-4052.
—Compiled by Kelli K
