Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.
Volunteer with Lawyers for Literacy
Lawyers For Literacy (LFL) is a non-profit organization with volunteers from both the legal and non-legal community who help at-risk third grade students pass the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) test.
For 11 weeks, February through April, tutors meet with their third grade student on a weekly basis to work on and improve reading skills in preparation for the FAST language arts and reading exam. Taking place in early May, the exam largely determines whether students are promoted to fourth grade.
LFL offers this service for free. The organization raises money to purchase and provide books and reading improvement materials which the students get to keep. Schools select students that are within the LFL guidelines of needing help.
Tutoring takes place over the school’s lunch hour. Volunteers can choose from schools in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. There is no financial commitment, and a substitute tutor will be provided if you cannot make all of the sessions.
For more information, click here.
Empty Bowls for Harbor Dish Fundraiser
Empty Bowls Pinellas, a local chapter of an international movement by artists and crafts people to raise money for food related charities, is hosting Empty Bowls for Harbor Dish, Saturday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater campus.
Guests get to choose (and take home) a handmade bowl donated by local potters and enjoy a meal of soup and bread with friends and other attendees.
Extra bowls will be available for purchase.
Proceeds from all ticket sales and purchases benefit Harbor Dish, a Safety Harbor organization that transforms donated food into refined cuisine and serves over 20 nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area that assist those who are economically disadvantaged, veterans, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, at-risk youth and others in need within the community.
St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus is located at 2465 Drew St., Room ES-104. Online ticket purchases are available until Jan. 24 at noon.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Brooke’s Legacy for Lupus
Brooke’s Legacy for Lupus is holding its 8th Annual Brooke’s Butterfly Bash, Friday, Jan. 30 from 6:30 until 10 p.m. at NOVA 535. The organization is named for Brooke Brown of Tampa, who passed away due to complications from lupus at the age of 18.
Proceeds from the gala benefit the Lupus Foundation Florida Chapter and the Tampa General Hospital Foundation to provide families suffering from lupus with financial assistance to help cover expenses, pharmaceutical costs and equipment to aid personal treatment.
The black-tie event includes a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, a live auction and a curated silent auction.
NOVA 535 is located at 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, N., St. Petersburg.
Largo Southwest Recreation Cleanup
The City of Largo and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are hosting a community cleanup Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers will assist with a neighborhood cleanup around the Southwest Recreation Complex. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
All cleanup supplies and safety equipment will be provided and a water refill station will be available. Restrooms are onsite. All ages are welcome.
The Southwest Recreation Complex is located at 13120 Vonn Rd., Largo. Parking is available.
The Pineapple Projects seeks volunteers
The Pineapple Projects provides fully furnished home interiors and essential items to qualified individuals and families in Pinellas County. The organization accepts nominations from schools and social service agencies.
Designers and volunteers spend weeks planning and learning about the family, and in a few hours transform empty spaces into functional homes.
Many volunteer opportunities are available, including helping out at the warehouse, showing up on project days and supporting special events.
To learn more about the organization, click here.
For dates and opportunities, click here.
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
