Metropolitan Ministries is preparing to welcome thousands of Tampa Bay families into its holiday tents. Even after two surprise donations totaling $65,000, the organization says it still needs help from the community. The nonprofit kicked off its holiday season at its new Tampa tent location in the West Shore District, where staff and volunteers are getting ready for families to begin arriving for holiday assistance.
This year, Metropolitan Ministries expects to serve 30,000 families across its Tampa Bay footprint. Combs said the effort requires about one million pounds of food, 15,000 volunteers and 60,000 toys. “We’re really counting on the community’s support to come and help support us like they always do,” Combs told Tampa Bay 28.
That support is especially important this year because donation drives are still down. Combs asked businesses and neighborhoods to host food drives. The organization needs canned goods, turkeys, hams and other items for holiday meals. Financial gifts also help because the group can buy needed items in bulk. “We still need volunteers to be able to serve all of those families that will be coming through our four tent locations in three counties,” Combs said.
Metropolitan Ministries received a major boost during the holiday kickoff. Two community partners surprised the organization with checks totaling $65,000. Thaddeus Bullard, known as WWE legend Titus O’Neil, announced a $40,000 donation through the Bullard Family Foundation. “I wanted to kick off this holiday season” with support for local families, Bullard said.
Residents who want to help can learn more about volunteering and donating through the organization’s website. Local readers in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties can also watch for drives and tent updates as the season continues.
Source: ABC Action News
Originally reported by ABC Action News
