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Time To Volunteer

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

It happens every holiday season. People consumed by their day-to-day lives take notice of others less fortunate and want to help. Food, clothing and cash donations are always welcome at social service agencies. But many residents long to roll up their sleeves and give back to their communities, to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to set examples for their children. Perhaps helping others makes this time of year more meaningful.

Opportunities for volunteering abound. Here are a few ideas - from the time-honored tradition of feeding the homeless to introducing Florida children to snow and reindeer - plus an online link to a list of charitable organizations that need you throughout the new year.

For opportunities, check out the United Way's Volunteer Resource Guide at www.unitedwaytampabay.com.

Metropolitan Ministries - www.metromin.org; 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33602. (813) 209-1251 or 209-1237. Provides programs, housing and education for the poor and the homeless. Volunteers are needed for the noon to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving feeding underneath the big tent. The agency also needs help with cleanup and food distribution during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army - www.salvationarmytampa.com; 1603 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33602. (813) 226-0055. Provides shelter, food and programs for the poor and the homeless. Bell ringers are needed through Christmas Eve (no ringing on Sundays or Thanksgiving Day) to help raise money for the needy. Ringers greet folks and thank them for their donations, logging shifts from a few hours to a day. Or they can man a Red Kettle site for the entire holiday season.

Friends of the Joshua House Foundation - www.friendsofjoshuahouse.com; P.O. Box 1769, Tampa FL 33601. (813) 263-3469. The Joshua House shelters abused, abandoned and neglected children ages 6 to 14 years old. Like to shop till you drop? The foundation helps raise money for the agency and is in need of holiday shoppers - folks who love to hunt for gifts from a list culled by each child.

Lowry Park Zoo - www.lowryparkzoo.com; 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa FL 33604. (813) 935-8552, Ext 296. Snow, reindeer and Santa. Volunteers ages 14 and older are needed for 5-9 p.m. shifts Nov. 30 to Dec. 30 in the zoo's Wild Wonderland, which offers a snow play area, reindeer and photos with Santa and his penguins.

Bakas Horses For The Handicapped - www.bakasridingcenter.com; 11510 Whisper Lake Trail, Tampa FL 33626. (813) 264-3890. Help decorate a barn for a hoedown Dec. 15 for physically and mentally challenged children and adults. The equestrian center enables clients to experience horseback riding. Operated by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, the program provides exercise, socialization and competitions.

LifePath Hospice - www.lifepath-hospice.org; 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace FL 33637. (813) 871-8111. The agency cares for people affected by end-of-life illnesses. Have a flair for creating fancy gift packages? LifePath needs holiday wrappers 17 and older to work a booth inside the Westfield Shoppingtown Citrus Park Mall during the holidays.

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