Holiday Cheer & Charity in Tampa

The holiday season is all about giving, giving thanks, giving time, giving love, and giving presents. Most of the time, this only extends to family and friends, but it’s important to offer time and attention to those less fortunate, as well. After all, the act of giving should have no boundaries.
Many cities have plenty of opportunities to engage in acts of kindness to give back to their communities and Tampa is no different. Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available in the area this holiday season.

A Kid’s Place

Providing a home and residential services to children from birth to age 18, A Kid’s Place takes care of those who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It offers children everything from residential care to educational programs to a house parent model and even independent living. How can you help? This Christmas, the organization has a holiday gift drive, which is your chance to make their letters to Santa a reality. So, this holiday season, be Santa’s little helper and make a child happy!

Hope Children’s Home

Helping children in need since 1968, Hope Children’s Home provides shelter to infants though age 18. A Christian school and well-rounded sports program help prepare the children for life after their stay, with 90% of them going to college. Despite all of this, there’s nothing quite like a few presents to make them feel extra loved. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help this season. Check out a child’s wish list or browse the registries created by the home to find specific items the kids need this Christmas.

Mason Dixon’s Christmas Wish Fund

A Florida non-profit, Mason Dixon’s Christmas Wish Fund relies exclusively on volunteers. Since 1992, the Christmas Wish program has helped needy families, as well as those who have fallen through the cracks of public assistance during the Christmas season by assisting them with their most basic needs. Offering no salaries, the non-profit is run entirely on the love and generosity of the people of the Tampa Bay area. To contribute to this great cause and help those in need, don’t hesitate to be a part of the Christmas Wish.

Feeding Tampa Bay

Part of the national Feeding America Network, Feeding Tampa Bay provides food to families in need in all 10 counties in West Central Florida. Aiming for food relief in Tampa Bay, the organization works to combat hunger not only through food, but also by spreading knowledge. Be a part of this initiative and give back this Christmas by helping those in need.

Meals On Wheels of Tampa

With a focus on aiding seniors who live independently, Meals On Wheels of Tampa is dedicated to helping the homebound live safely in their homes, while also making their lives easier. It also provides homebound people with fresh, nutritious meals delivered directly to their homes. You can help by becoming a volunteer and delivering meals. You’ll be bringing them food, but a friendly conversation could also really mean a lot to them this holiday season!

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Humane Society of Tampa Bay works to end animal homelessness and care for those that have been neglected. It offers top sheltering and veterinary care for the animals in its care. Plus, there are many adoption and volunteer programs to ensure the wellbeing of animals throughout the area. This holiday season, you can become a volunteer, too, and help those animals feel loved. Or, if you’re feeling extra loving, consider adopting a new best friend!

SPCA Tampa Bay

Located in Pinellas County, SPCA Tampa Bay is the only non-profit agency working to care for all stray animals in the area and those that have been neglected by their owners. Offering shelter, food, proper medical care, and all other necessities, there’s no time limit to how long a pet can stay. While the organization needs volunteers year-round, there’s no better time than the holiday season to start doing good deeds. SPCA encourages people to help by organizing food drives for the animals, coming in to care for them, and even adopting them.

Christmas is about giving and spreading kindness. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to make a difference for someone this holiday season!