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Here's How You Can Be A Holiday Hero

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2007

To be a hero, you don't have to fight fires, arrest bad guys, perform life-saving surgeries, save someone from drowning, donate millions of dollars or leap tall buildings in a single bound.

You just have to help.

Plenty of people are hurting this time of year and good Samaritans stay busy offering charity and cheer.

But after the decorative lights go dark and the evergreens go to the mulching machine, the pain - and the need - remain.

Here are some of the ways to be of service in your community:

TREATS FOR TROOPS: Operation Shoebox donations are collected throughout the week at Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 6025 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.

Shoebox-size packages are filled with snacks, personal care items and first aid supplies and then shipped to American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Items such as instant coffee, creamer, Gatorade, tea bags, small boxes of cereal, cans of tuna, hard candy, sunglasses, socks, gum and instant soup are just some of the recommended items.

Also, cash gifts help defray the cost of postage.

For local details, call (727) 847-3999. For more on the nationwide campaign, go to operationshoebox.com.

ON WITH THE SHOWS: Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation Inc. needs support for its Performing Arts Series at the New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two performances, reporting 1 1/2 hours before each show, and must be able to walk and stand for at least two hours at a stretch. They will assist with guest seating, ticket sales and other assignments as needed.

Afterward, volunteers may stay and watch the concert for free. This year's lineup includes John Davidson, Gaelic Storm, Legends of Vaudeville, The Piano Men and a Tribute to Elvis.

To register as a volunteer, call (727) 816-3737. For details on the concerts or to buy tickets, visit www.phcc.edu/tix.

ADVOCATE AND NEGOTIATE: Volunteers are needed for Florida's Long-term Care Ombudsman Program.

An ombudsman advocates on behalf of others to resolve specific issues and concerns. Florida's long-term care ombudsmen do that for the more than 160,000 seniors in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.

For details, call toll-free 1-888-831-0404.

STAND BY THEM: The courtroom can be a frightening place for children without someone by and on their side.

That's where guardians ad litem come in. They speak for abused, abandoned or neglected youngsters during legal proceedings to ensure their interests are served.

The volunteers receive 30 hours of state-mandated training before they're certified as court-appointed advocates. For details, call (727) 834-3493 in west Pasco or (352) 521-5178 in Dade City.

GIVE THEM SHELTER: Sunrise of Pasco in Dade City, the Salvation Army's domestic violence program in Hudson and the Women's Resource Center in New Port Richey help women and children escape and recover from abusive or dangerous situations.

The mission is getting these survivors back on their feet and full of the confidence to move forward with their lives.

To do that, the agencies need a steady supply of personal hygiene products, food, clothing, baby items, paper products, cleaning supplies, art and school supplies - and volunteers.

To find out how to help, call (352) 521-3358 in Dade City; (727) 856-5797 in Hudson; or (727) 859-9720 in New Port Richey.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Suncoast Harvest Food Bank in Land O' Lakes and The Volunteer Way in New Port Richey supply food and household items to charities that help fill stomachs, as well as directly to families and others in need.

Both food banks could use a hand with sorting food, working in thrift shops or raising money. Cash is always welcome, too. Call (813) 929-0200 in central Pasco and (727) 815-0433 in west Pasco.

AID FOR ALL SEASONS: The Salvation Army West Pasco Corps accepts food, clothing and household items year round.

Hot meals are served from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Center of Hope, 8040 Washington St., Port Richey.

A school supply drive precedes the start of each academic year. Drop off those items at the Center of Hope or the corps' community center, 7745 Ridge Road, Port Richey.

The Salvation Army also offers athletic opportunities for youngsters, and helps families at Thanksgiving and Christmas through the Red Kettle campaign and donations from businesses, individuals and organizations.

To inquire about being a volunteer, call (727) 847-6321.

FIND A NICHE
AND FILL IT: Hospices, hospitals, senior centers, schools, animal welfare groups, the sheriff's office and other community efforts and agencies depend heavily on the kindness of volunteers. Call them for details or go to www.volunteermatch.org to find where you fit in.

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