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How to Volunteer as a Family in Tampa
How to Volunteer as a Family in Tampa Bay
by Laura Byrne
It’s November, which means it’s time for us to share our annual guide on ways you can give back as a family in Tampa Bay. While the holidays are often a time when we have volunteering and giving on our hearts, we encourage you to consider volunteering as a family as part of your year-round action plan. The good news is local organizations make it very easy for you and the kids to volunteer your time together.
Feeding Tampa Bay
Perfect for all ages
Help Feeding Tampa Bay reach its goal of a Hunger-Free Tampa Bay by 2025. Did you know kids as young as 5 years old can volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay with their parents? It’s a wonderful way for children to actively give back to those in our community while learning at the same time. In the warehouse, kids can help sort foods into bins—a great time to talk about different vegetables and foods while practicing their reading skills too. Family Night is a popular volunteering event that occurs once a month and often books up fast. It’s geared for kids of all ages to volunteer with their parents in the warehouse while taking part in fun activities while they’re there. feedingtampabay.org
Metropolitan Ministries
Perfect for ages 8 and older
The Holiday Tent is a popular volunteer spot for families with kids ages 8 and older. There is one tent in Tampa and two in Pasco County. Duties include helping to sort donations that come in and even helping families shop the tent. Metropolitan Ministries anticipates serving more than 37,000 families this holiday season with meals and toys, which means they need thousands of volunteers this holiday season alone. There are 15 volunteer sites throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties including the Holiday Tents. If your kids aren’t old enough to volunteer in the Holiday Tent, consider taking them on a shopping trip to pick up food and toys and then drop donations off at the tent closest to you. It’s a fun experience and the kids get to see all the volunteers in action to understand they truly are making a difference. metromin.org
Meals on Wheels Tampa
Perfect for all ages
Meals on Wheels provides hot, healthy meals to homebound and senior members of the community who live independently in their own homes. The Produce on Wheels (POW!) program delivers fresh, healthy produce free of charge on the third Saturday of every month. Meals on Wheels also provides hurricane preparedness packs, cards and baked goods on Thanksgiving morning, and holiday gift bags of books, games, snacks, juice and toiletries the third Saturday in December. Meals on Wheels has also partnered with The Humane Society of Tampa Bay to deliver free bags of pet food through their Animeals program. Although drivers must be 18 and older, children of any age can tag along to deliver meals, produce, pet food and gifts. mowtampa.org
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Perfect for ages 5 and up
The Paws for Literacy program allows children ages 5-12 to read to animals after school. Children under 16 can volunteer with a parent or guardian to walk dogs, play with cats and clean kennels. The Teen Program for ages 12-15 allows kids to earn 20 hours of volunteer work by working with animals and assisting with the Humane Education program. Volunteers in the Teen Program do not need to have a parent or guardian present. Donations such as towels, pet food and cleaning supplies are also always welcomed. humanesocietytampa.org
