By Holly Hargett
The spirit of Thanksgiving is about coming together as a community and ensuring that everyone has a reason to be thankful. By supporting these charitable organizations, you help bring smiles and nourishment to countless families during the season of giving and gratitude. In addition to faith-based organizations, Salvation Army, Hope Villages of America Food Bank, Pinellas County Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, these are some of the organizations that need your food or financial donations at the holidays and all year round. Consider a neighborhood or office food drive to help them now.
Metropolitan Ministries You can shop directly from the Metropolitan Ministries website and order their most needed items including frozen turkeys, hams, cereal, canned yams, bagged or boxed stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Also, in demand are bagged or canned beans, soup, bags of rice, canned or boxed potatoes, gravy packets, dessert mixes, canned fruit, canned vegetables, and boxed macaroni and cheese. Consider organizing a food drive in your neighborhood or office. www.metromin.org/holiday-central
The Kind Mouse The Kind Mouse is committed to eradicating childhood hunger in Pinellas County. As Thanksgiving approaches, they strive to provide holiday meals to underprivileged families. Your contribution will help make sure that no child goes to bed hungry. They have an immediate need for baby formula, snacks, juice boxes, fruit snacks, pudding, and Jello cups. www.thekindmouse.org/donate
Tampa Bay Harvest Volunteers at Tampa Bay Harvest pick up leftover food, sale-dated and quality excess food items from local grocery stores, restaurants, and food-related businesses. The rescued food is then delivered to over 100 local charities served by TBH. Donations are needed to operate their warehouse and free grocery store that serves community citizens directly. www.tampabayharvest.org/donate.html
St Petersburg Free Clinic The St. Petersburg Free Clinic is helping to change lives by providing free healthcare, nutritious food, recovery housing, and education. Their shopping list of needs includes beef jerky, beef stew, breakfast bars, canned fruit, canned meats, canned pasta, crackers, fruit cups, granola bars, single-serving cereal boxes, trail mix, and tuna/salmon in a pouch. The St. Petersburg Free Clinic helps FRESH Pantry stock the shelves at the main office and offers two drive-thru Mobile Pantry locations Monday-Friday. They provide fresh fruit, meats, and staples to an average of 20,000 Pinellas County neighbors in need a month. www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org