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.
A Valentine dog adoption event
Acutienamedstewie, Inc., a St. Petersburg 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help dogs, is hosting Plenty of Paws: A Valentine Dog Adoption Event, Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1 until 4 p.m.
The event will take place at three downtown St. Petersburg locations: Pinellas Ale Works Brewery, 1962 1st Avenue S.; Clay Center of St. Petersburg, 2010 1st Avenue S.; and Wild Roots, 1949 1st Avenue S. All guests must first check in at Pinellas Ale Works.
Plenty of Paws will feature adoptable dogs at each location, dog kissing booths, a raffle, silent auction, drink specials and local vendors. Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck will also be on site.
Tickets are $15 and include entry, two raffle tickets and a “Doggy Dating Card” (visit all six rescues, get the card marked off and receive two additional raffle tickets).
All proceeds will benefit participating local rescues, including Limbo Chihuahua Rescue, Heidi’s Legacy, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Pet Pal Animal Shelter, Compassion Kind and Mercy Full Project.
Pollinator Garden Workday
The Pinellas Native Plant Society is hosting a Pollinator Garden Workday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Sunday, Feb. 15 from 8 until 10 a.m. The Park is a 54-acre nature preserve with trails and boardwalks and home to an array of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, raccoons and birds.
Volunteers are needed to help weed, mulch, trim, plant and more, and are encouraged to bring water, gloves and preferred gardening tools.
The park is located at 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater.
Florida CraftArt seeks retail volunteers
Florida CraftArt is seeking art loving, dedicated and outgoing volunteers for their retail gallery. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to broaden public awareness, understanding and appreciation of art objects made by hand through meaningful craft experiences.
Shifts are available weekdays and weekends; daytime or evenings.
Volunteers get to meet the artists, be among the first to see what is being offered and receive a 10% discount on all retail gallery purchases.
A background check is required before the onboarding process.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
YReads! Volunteers
YReads! provides kindergarten through middle school students with the intensive reading instruction they need to succeed. Students are referred by teachers to work with YMCA staff and mentors in small groups during one two-and-a-half hour individualized sessions per week.
Volunteer mentors and tutors will work in a small-group environment and will be given continuous support from a full-time program coordinator.
Anyone 16 years or older is welcome to volunteer and no prior teaching or tutoring experience is necessary. Training, materials and ongoing support is provided for all tutors.
The program operates after school Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
Volunteer with EmpowHERment Community Center
The EmpowHERment Community Center in Clearwater is a nurturing space for women to connect, inspire one another and mutually uplift each other. The organization helps to empower women through workshops, events and entrepreneurship programs that provide the skills and resources needed to obtain financial, mental and emotional self-sufficiency.
Volunteer opportunities include working the front desk, facilitating workshops, fundraising, data entry and advocacy services assistance.
The Center is located at 13555 Automobile Blvd., Suite 300, Clearwater.
A volunteer form can be found 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.
