For 20 years, St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa Palms has opened a satellite tent of Metropolitan Ministries to collect donations of food and toys for families whose struggles are magnified at this time of year.
The tent provides a convenient way for New Tampa residents to provide donations that directly impact people in the Tampa Bay area who would otherwise not have a holiday meal or gifts.
The tent officially opened this year on Nov. 5, in advance of Thanksgiving, with a ceremony led by St. James’ Lead Pastor, Tony Fotsch. It closed between Thanksgiving and Dec. 3, and is now open to accept donations every day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., through Tuesday, December 21.
“While the tent is primarily a way to give to those in our community who benefit from the donations of food and toys,” says Pastor Fotsch, “we often hear from our volunteers that it is a blessing for them to be a part of this, and we believe that those who provide the generous gifts are positively affected, as well.”
The tent makes it easy for locals to drive through the parking lot and simply drop off any goods they would like to donate, without ever leaving their cars.
Unwrapped toys for any kids, ages newborn to 18, are gratefully accepted. Items for teenagers are especially needed. For gift ideas, visit metro-min.org/holiday-central.
Food items also are needed to make a complete “Box of Hope.” A complete box includes turkey, ham or chicken, cereal, canned yams, bagged or boxed stuffing, cranberry sauce, bagged or canned beans, soup, rice, boxed or canned potatoes, boxed macaroni & cheese, gravy packet or cans, dessert mix, canned fruit and canned vegetables.
People can drop off any or all items on the list at the tent, where volunteers sort donations into a complete box that is prepared for a family to enjoy for Christmas (since Thanksgiving is now over).
Volunteers also are needed to accept donations, sort them and load them up to be delivered to the main Metropolitan Ministries tent in downtown Tampa, where families who have been referred from agencies who help those in need come to pick up the food and choose gifts for their children.
Gift cards and cash donations also are graciously accepted.
Last year alone, the New Tampa tent at St. James Church collected a total of 507 turkeys and hams, plus an additional 19,459 pounds of food, to make 989 “Boxes of Hope.” It also received 2,171 toys and $645 in gift cards.
“It’s a testament to our community that people give so generously,” says Pastor Fotsch.
At the church, Melissa Ewen, who serves as director of fellowship and special connections, coordinates the New Tampa tent logistics and serves as St. James’ liaison to Metropolitan Ministries.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Metro Ministries,” says Ewen, who explains that it fits with the church’s mission to serve the spiritual, emotional and social needs of its members and the greater Tampa area, including its vulnerable populations. “We’re so grateful for this opportunity to come together to make a difference in our community during this holiday season.”
For more information about how to donate or volunteer, please contact the church by emailing info@stjamestampa.org or visit StJamesTampa.org.state.
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