SEND A NEEDY CHILD TO CAMP (June)
Each summer, The Salvation Army sends dozens of needy children from the local community for a week of fun at Camp Keystone in northern Florida. You can sponsor a week of camp for a needy child for $225, or you can donate items campers will need at camp, including: duffel bags, sunscreen, bug spray, beach towels, T-shirts, healthy snacks, etc. If you would like to send a needy child to camp, please send your donation to The Salvation Army - P.O. Box 2839 - Tampa, FL 33601 or call 813-224-9119.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY CAMPAIGN (July)
Help The Salvation Army provide backpacks full of required school supplies for needy children throughout Hillsborough County. In 2009, The Salvation Army was able to provide supplies for more than close to 1,000 local students whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Special thanks to the New York Yankees and to Amscot Financial for their tremendous support of our Back to School efforts!
In 2010, The Salvation Army will begin collecting school supplies over the summer to stuff backpacks for the 2010-2011 school year. Please call 813-224-9119 or email moira_hinson@uss.salvaitonarmy.org for more information.
FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD DRIVE (Year-Round)
Nearly 30,000 children in Hillsborough County live in households of poverty and chronic hunger. These families often must sacrifice nutritious meals for other necessities such as shelter or medical care. Through the compassionate support of our supporters, we will provide food baskets for thousands of hungry families during the holiday season and beyond.
We'll be glad to provide you with a summary of the items needed to fill the food baskets, a food drive registration form and even collection barrels. For more information, please call 813-224-9207 or email jaclyn_ward@uss.salvationarmy.org.
TRINITY CAFÉ - Serve Hot Meals to the Hungry (Monday - Friday)
Each weekday, our partners at Trinity Café serve 200 hot meals to hungry men and women who come to our facility at 1603 N. Florida Avenue. Volunteers are needed each day from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve the meals and help with clean-up. To volunteer at Trinity Café, please contact Tom or Linda Derzypolski at 361-7572 or volunteers@trinitycafe.org.
GIFT-WRAPPING AT WESTSHORE PLAZA & UNIVERSITY SQUARE MALL (Nov. - Dec.)
The Salvation Army is looking for talented gift-wrappers to volunteer their time at WestShore Plaza and University Square Mall this holiday season. All proceeds from gift-wrapping will go to The Salvation Army to support year-round programming for the needy.
Gift-wrapping shifts are available during day and evening hours throughout the month of December. Please email moira_hinson@uss.salvationarmy.org or jessica_vick@uss.salvationarmy.org for more information.
ANGEL TREE & STUFF A STOCKING (Nov. - Dec.)
Each year, approximately 6,000 needy children in Hillsborough County receive holiday gifts (age appropriate toys, clothing, etc.) through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Families living at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible to register their children for the program. You tell us how many needy children you'd like to "adopt" for Christmas, and we will provide you with paper angels including each child's name, age, clothing & shoe sizes, and dream gift. Or, stuff stockings for children, ages 3-12 years.
Angels are available starting in early November through Priscilla Cruz, 813-549-5285, ext. 412, or Priscilla_cruz@uss.salvationarmy.org.
ANGEL TREE HOLIDAY TOYSHOP - GIFT DISTRIBUTION
We need dozens of volunteers each day to help distribute gifts to needy families on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19th (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) at our Holiday Toyshop. Contact Priscilla Cruz at 813-549-5285 or email her at Priscilla_cruz@uss.salvationarmy.org for more information.
RINGING BELLS AT A RED KETTLE (NOV. 13 - DEC. 24)
Synonymous with the Christmas season, bell ringing has been a Salvation Army tradition since 1895. Red Kettle proceeds help us provide meals, shelter, clothing and holiday assistance for needy families. The 2007 Red Kettle campaign will run Nov. 13 through Dec. 24. There is no bell-ringing on Thanksgiving Day or on Sundays.
Groups can "adopt" a particular Kettle site by volunteering to ring bells at that site during an established timeframe. You can adopt the site for the entire holiday season, a week, a weekend, a day. Your group members are welcome to wear hats and T-shirts while they ring. Signage is provided for all groups that adopt a Kettle site. Contact Jaclyn Ward at 813-224-9207, or jaclyn_ward@uss.salvationarmy.org.