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, FIS, 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 813-224-9119 or email moira_hinson@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 Cindy Davis at 813-865-4822 or cdavis@trinitycafe.org or visit www.trinitycafe.org to identify a volunteer shift that is available.
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. If you would like to host an Angel Tree or learn more about the Angel Tree program, please contact Moira Hinson at 813-224-9119 or moira_hinson@uss.salvationarmy.org.
ANGEL TREE HOLIDAY TOYSHOP - GIFT DISTRIBUTION
Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday throughout the months of November and December to prepare Angel Tree gifts for distribution to needy families at The Salvation Army's Holiday Toyshop. Holiday Toyshop hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 813-918-3312 for extended hours.
The Salvation Army also needs volunteers to help distribute gifts to needy families on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18th (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) at our Holiday Toyshop.
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. 10 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 Moira Hinson at 813-224-9119, or moira_hinson@uss.salvationarmy.org.