by Megan Bailey
The holiday season is the perfect time to volunteer or give to those who need in Pinellas County. There are many ways to spread a charitable spirit in the community. You can make a difference wherever your generosity directs you. Go to their websites or Facebook for more info.
FOOD BANKS
The Kind Mouse provides food for chronically hungry children. Their “Kids Feeding Kids” program educates and empowers all children for this cause. Donate “Mouse Nibbles” like canned goods and juice boxes. The RCS Food Bank provides families with groceries like high-protein, nonperishable canned foods such as meats, beans, and hearty soups. St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s food banks alleviate hunger through food drives. Their “Pack-a-Sack” program supplies children with snacks like juice boxes, ravioli, crackers, and shelf-stable milk, while their “Hearty Homes” program provides senior citizens with a monthly food bag. Donate nonperishable food items or grocery store gift cards to Helping Hands’ mobile food bank.
ANIMALS
Add a furry member to your family or donate pet care items to St. Petersburg’s Friends of Strays, Pet Pal, or the SPCA animal shelters. They provide education on responsible pet care and facilitate adoptions. Friends of Strays promotes fostering to free cage space. View adoptable animals on Pinellas County Animal Services and Humane Society’s websites.
FAMILIES IN NEED
Toys for Tots needs you. Volunteer starting November 8th or donate toys for boys and girls aged zero to 12 at their Largo warehouse. Girls Inc. inspires girls to discover their strengths and voice while equipping them to become healthy, educated, and independent. Help by sponsoring their STEAM program or join their “Circle of Champions.” Assist families with hospitalized children by “Adopting a Room” at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides bedrooms for families during their child’s treatment. You can even “round-up” your bill with a McDonald’s cashier to donate!
PARC has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for almost 70 years. They accept donations like art supplies, personal care items, lawn games, and tickets to zoo visits and other events. Hands Across the Bay advocates for families in crisis and community change through “random acts of kindness.” They accept scheduled donations like clothing, kitchen supplies, and furniture. The Kind Mouse even supplies their food pantry!
Habitat for Humanity unifies volunteers to build homes and communities for struggling families. Attend their “Nuts & Bolts Orientation Class” to volunteer or donate household goods and items like hardware, furniture, or flooring material for construction use.
MOTHER NATURE
Tampa Bay Watch facilitates environmental projects to restore Tampa Bay by training, educating, and organizing students, civic organizations, and at-risk youth to promote a healthy shoreline and bay. Beautify the Tampa Bay area along with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and St. Petersburg Audubon Society as well!
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Organizations include CASA Pinellas, Heels to Heal, and Alpha House. Shop at CASA’s thrift store or donate shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and non-perishable food items. Donate to Heels to Heal to provide group and private crisis counseling sessions or supply Alpha House with baby, maternity, or women’s clothing; office or household supplies; and baby formula, food, and diapers.
MENTAL HEALTH
NAMI Pinellas and the Boley Centers support people with mental illnesses. Transfer stock to NAMI, include them in your estate plan, or choose NAMI Pinellas County as your charitable organization on Amazon. Shop at or donate gently used household items and clothing to Boley Center’s YOUR Neighborhood Store in St. Petersburg to help this cause!