UPDATE: Metropolitan Ministries is launching its annual holiday outreach with the opening of holiday tents on Monday, November 20, 2023, to support families in need throughout the Tampa Bay region. With the number of families seeking food assistance having doubled, the urgency for community involvement has never been greater.
Officials from Metropolitan Ministries report that the need for assistance is escalating due to factors like soaring housing costs, ongoing financial struggles related to the pandemic, recent hurricanes, and the effects of the government shutdown. “They receive the whole turkey and supply for your family, and then when Christmas rolls around, they get toys for their kids as well,” said Christine Long, Executive Vice President and Chief Programs Officer of Metropolitan Ministries.
The opening of the holiday tents marks a critical opportunity for families facing economic hardships to receive essential support. “It’s an opportunity for families who maybe are struggling to really get some of those basic needs met and make their holiday full of hope and love,” Long added, emphasizing the emotional impact of this initiative.
The holiday tents will open across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County on Monday, offering a variety of resources. In collaboration with generous donors and community partners, Metropolitan Ministries aims to mobilize 15,000 volunteers to distribute 1 million pounds of food along with 60,000 toys and gift cards to meet increasing demands.
As the holiday season approaches, registration slots for families in need are filling up rapidly. Long stressed the importance of early registration, stating, “Our registration is filling up extremely fast. I heard that we only have a couple more days left of slots for Thanksgiving.” Families can register both in person and through the organization’s website.
This urgent outreach initiative exemplifies the community’s commitment to providing support during challenging times. As the holiday season brings joy for many, Metropolitan Ministries aims to ensure that those struggling can also experience the spirit of giving and togetherness.
For those interested in helping, more information about volunteering, donating, or registering for assistance is available on Metropolitan Ministries’ official website. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in your community this holiday season.
