Tampa, FL – Metropolitan Ministries is asking Tampa Bay residents to donate food and supplies as the nonprofit prepares to assist thousands of families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
The organization is seeking community support to stock its annual Holiday Tents, which distribute groceries, toys and other necessities to families experiencing financial hardship.
Metropolitan Ministries expects to assist approximately 30,000 families and provide holiday assistance benefiting 50,000 children across the Tampa Bay region.
Among the most urgently needed donations are frozen turkeys, hams, cereal, canned yams, stuffing and cranberry sauce.
Additional requested items include rice, beans, canned vegetables, potatoes, gravy, soup and macaroni and cheese.
The nonprofit operates holiday distribution locations throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, allowing eligible families to receive groceries for holiday meals and gifts for children.
Metropolitan Ministries estimates its holiday assistance program requires approximately $4 million, including $2.5 million for food and toys and $1.5 million for infrastructure and services.
Approximately 13,500 volunteers support the organization’s holiday operations annually, assisting with food sorting, distribution and other responsibilities.
Residents can deliver donations to the Metropolitan Ministries warehouse at 2101 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Donations are also accepted at the organization’s West Pasco campus at 3216 U.S. Highway 19 in Holiday.
The nonprofit additionally accepts financial contributions and offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and community organizations.
Metropolitan Ministries has served Tampa Bay families since 1972 and established its holiday assistance program in 1982.
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