TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Turkey Servers Booked, But Other Volunteers Needed

ADVERTISEMENT

By SHERRI ACKERMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2008

TAMPA - So you're thinking it might be nice this year — as we pay more for gas, food and, well, just about everything — to keep it all in perspective by helping others less fortunate.

Maybe your heart is set on serving turkey in Metropolitan Ministries' gigantic tent on Florida Avenue. Or, perhaps, you plan to put a spare tire to good use and play Santa for Tampa's parks department.

If you're still just thinking about it, you've likely missed your chance. Opportunities to volunteer during the holidays are disappearing fast — Thanksgiving slots at Metropolitan Ministries and The Salvation Army are long gone.

Don't worry. We've found a few causes that still need you.

Help Wanted

Cynthia Pinckney Ministries, Seffner, (813) 571-1556 (www.cynthiapinckneyministries.org). Pinckney's Thanksgiving event, where about 900 people are fed, needs more food — not volunteers. Other items on the list: toiletries, blankets and clothing. About 300 extra volunteers showed up last year without notice. This year, some of those folks likely will be in line for help, though, Pinckney said. In 12 months, she watched the need in her community rise by more than 50 percent as people lost houses and jobs.

City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, Tampa, (813) 274-8615 (www.tampagov.net). Santa (male) and North Pole Operators (female) are needed to call children from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 through 11. Last year, Santa and his helpers listened to Christmas wish lists from more than 800 children. Parents can sign up kids from pre-kindergarten through second grade to receive calls. For information, send an e-mail to Cathie.schanz@tampagov.net.

Quantum Leap Farm Inc., Odessa, (813) 920-9250 (www.quantumleapfarm.org). One of nine therapeutic horseback riding programs in the United States that works with veterans from Iraq, the farm serves children and adults. Among the clients is a World War II veteran who rides by sitting in his wheelchair in a cart. Volunteers are needed to clean the barn and help with horses from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Spring of Tampa Bay, Tampa, (813) 247-5433 (www.thespring.org). The domestic violence shelter needs volunteers throughout December to help with clients' children, from rocking babies to playing touch football with teenagers. The agency also needs clothing, toiletries and toys.

Meals On Wheels, Tampa, (813) 238-8410 (www.mealsonwheelstampa.com). Volunteers are always needed to prepare meals and deliver them to needy seniors throughout Hillsborough County. (Two frozen meals will be delivered the day before Thanksgiving.)

Metropolitan Ministries, Tampa, (813) 209-1251 or 209-1237 (www.metromin.org). One of the city's largest and most popular social service agencies, it provides programs, housing and meals for the poor and homeless. Volunteer opportunities for Thanksgiving and Christmas day feedings are full, but food, clothing and toy donations are happily accepted at the holiday tent, 2002 N. Florida Ave.

The Salvation Army, Tampa, (813) 266-0055 (www.salvationarmytampa.org). Provides shelter, food and programs for poor and homeless people. It's another well-known agency among volunteers, and Thanksgiving events are full. Bell ringers, holiday toy shop set-up and distribution helpers, and gift wrappers still are needed.

For other opportunities, go to United Way's Volunteer Resource Guide at www.unitedwaytampabay.com.

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT