Holiday Giving

So many philanthropic organizations need your help this season, including PARC, Big Brother, Big Sister and Ronald McDonald House as well as these worthy organizations.

Julie and Steve Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay (HATB) and CASA support the battle against domestic violence, providing resources, counseling, and shelter to those in need through fundraisers. Donate to HATB’s Domestic and Empowerment Center opened in 2021 by Gold and Diamond Source and Windstar Homes, including clothing, kitchen supplies, bedding, hygiene items, household cleaning, non-perishable food, diapers, and baby wipes). and attend their philanthropic events. On 11/15 @ the St. Pete Yacht Club, plan to attend the 25th Annual Distinguished Service Award Event, honoring founder Julie and two others, Kimberly Jackson and R. Donald Mastry. www.handsacrossthebay.org

CASA’s annual Peace Celebration is 12/6 (rescheduled after Ian) and their new Family Justice Center opened 10/19 providing everything a survivor needs, in one place – comprehensive, collaborative, trauma-informed, free services to Pinellas County from various agencies. CASA’s Thrift Shop supports their life-changing efforts, accepting donations daily.

NicerFL: Tampa Bay Regional group’s goal is to “Help New Immigrants Succeed,” offering educational resources, mentoring and ESOL. You can volunteer to help new immigrants improve their English, literacy, and other skills on their pathways to schooling, employment, and citizenship. We create safe and welcoming spaces that honor students’ cultures and build a vibrant community in Pinellas and Manatee counties. They also help prepare newcomers for citizenship exams and provide career resources. Donations welcome. If you want to volunteer, you need to commit to at least 50 hours with your student in order to make a meaningful impact and create cross-cultural connections. It’s also a way to help Ukrainian refugees in this area, one of many international newcomers this organization assists. www.nicerfl.org Hope Villages of America/RCS Pinellas provides programs and support for those dealing with homelessness, hunger, and domestic violence. www.hopevillagesofamerica.org

Habitat for Humanity Pinellas empowers individuals and families to build and buy their own homes with the help of people in our community. Homes are sold at no profit and no interest to households who do not qualify for a traditional mortgage. The program prepares homeowner partners to be successful through an education curriculum of 32 classes, from budgeting to home maintenance.

Animal lovers know you can donate funds or products (blankets, towels, food, pet supplies) all year round or foster a pet with some of the fur baby rescue efforts around town. We’re devoted to the selfless efforts to give our animal pals and wild animals succor and when needed, medical assistance, such as the Humane Society of

Southeast Guide Dogs and others. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary was rescuing laughing gulls sick from red tide, found on Redington and Treasure Island in mid-October, yet more fallout post-Ian. www.seasideseabirdsanctuary.org

Arts organizations that make education and performances available to those in need can use your help as well, especially Arts Alliance, Creative Pinellas, all the Morean Center for Clay, Keep

St. Petersburg City Theatre and Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

Salvation Army You can donate on the website all year round, drop money in the kettles during the holidays and target victims of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona by texting STORM to 51555. It also has established mobile feeding units that can prepare around 1,500 meals a day in the affected areas.

Metropolitan Ministries www.metromin.org and

how-you-can-help need your support, with food pantries running low all year round and especially for the holidays. In addition to financial and product donations that help Tampa Bay communities and those affected by Ian, you can help prep and serve meals at FTB’s Trinity Café. The Kind Mouse serves children who do not know where their next meal outside of school will come from. www.thekindmouse.org