TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Wallets Opened Up For Charities In Tampa Area

ADVERTISEMENT

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: January 9, 2009

TAMPA - Just before Christmas, charitable organizations in the Tampa Bay area found themselves struggling to help the struggling.

With few donations coming in, they were hard pressed to offer help to the needy.

In the end, for some at least, the community stepped up.

"The generous spirit is out there," said Marc Sutherland, resource development director for the Tampa area America's Second Harvest. The organization operates a food bank distribution center just east of downtown Tampa.

"As a nonprofit, we are always in need of more food, but people are out there trying to help," Sutherland said. "On Christmas Eve ... a man from a local law firm gave me a check for $100, and after chatting with him, he agreed his firm would sponsor a big fundraiser we have coming up."

Orphaned, abused and lost pets at the Hillsborough County Animal Services shelter on Falkenburg Road got a boost, too.

"It's been unbelievable," said community coordinator Marti Ryan. "The toys and treats help keep their minds enriched. It's all about comfort and humane, compassionate care."

At Unity in the Community, a small charity in Plant City, needs increased just before Christmas, but more donations did come in, said President Joyce Jordan.

And at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, an organization that offers food and other supplies to the homeless across the Tampa Bay region, no one in need was turned away the week before Christmas.

"We had an amazing response from the community and haven't had to turn anyone away," said agency spokeswoman Ana Mendez. "From here, we'll take it day by day."

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT