Community Corner

Donate Toys, Food, Clothing and More in Gulfport

You can donate to several organizations and help families and animals in Gulfport and Tampa Bay this holiday season.

Do you have extra clothes, jackets and shoes lying around? What about those canned goods in the pantry that you stocked up on during hurricane season? How about the bag of pet food that you found out your dog doesn't like?

All these items can be donated somewhere in Gulfport. Here's how you can help:

FOOD

Find out what's happening in Gulfportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry, 5501 27th Ave S.

Help local seniors by donating canned goods such as tuna, vegetables and soup. "almost anything with meat in it, like soups goes fast,” Supervisor Susan Frank says. You can also drop off pet food and pet supplies. Low income seniors often have a hard time financially feeding their pets as well. Monetary donations are another option. Simply bring your cash or check donation to the center during operating hours, or go online to the Gulfport Senior Center website: www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org. and make a donation using your credit card or Pay Pal account.

Find out what's happening in Gulfportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Learn more about the food pantry program in our story "Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry Seeking Donations to Meet Growing Needs."

BOOKS

Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave S.

Officials will gladly accept: electronic books, hardback and paperback books, Comic Books, Children’s Books, Music, CD’s, albums, Movies, DVD’s and more. The library features a section with used items and sells them at very reasonable prices with the proceeds going directly to the library. You're gently used items can help raise money today. Drop off items Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. To schedule a pick up please call (727) 322-5217.

TOYS

Gulfport Police Department, 2401 53rd St. S.

For 20 years, Gulfport Police Department employees have sponsored a program called “Operation Santa” in which toys are donated to needy children that live in the City of Gulfport. This year, more than 150 children are registered with the program. You can help by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at the Gulfport Police Department. Gift cards are appreciated for older children.

T and Me Tea Company, 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd S.

T and Me is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program. Drop off a toy and receive a free tea or coffee. The toy drive ends on Friday, Dec. 16.

Gulfport on the Rocks, 5413 Shore Blvd. S.

The Gulfport Neighbors are collecting toys for Toys For Tots. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the box inside Gulfport on the Rocks.

CLOTHING

T and Me Tea Company, 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S.

A collection site has been established for donations of shoes, socks, jackets and blankets to be distributed to homeless individuals and families in Pinellas County. Y Not Ministries, a Gulfport youth services group, is organizing the collection. New and gently used items can be dropped off at T and Me Tea Company. Donations will be accepted through December 23rd and items will be distributed on Christmas Eve.

Sophie's Attic, 2728 53rd St. S., Gulfport

Sophie's Attic Thrift Store fearures clothing, shoes, jewelry, stuffed animals, purses, fishing gear and much more. Volunteers from the First United Methodist Church run it, and its proceeds go toward helping the homeless. Donate gently used items to Sophie's Attic this holiday season. The thrift store is open Friday and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Gulfport Police Department, 2401 53rd St. S.

Community Action Stops Abuse, CASA, has a drop off box location in the lobby of the Gulfport Police Department. The organization greatly needs clothing, personal care and hygiene items, gas cards and gift certificates. You can check out their complete Holiday Wish List online.

ANIMALS

Limbo-Chihuahua - Chihuahua Rescue

Help this local and small organization place dogs in their forever homes. The organization would greatly appreciate donations of dog food, supplies and gas gift cards to help with transportation of the animals. Monetary donations are always accepted and can be donated by contacting Megan at (727) 432-0226 or email via bonoball@tampabay.rr.com. The organization uses the Gulfport Veterinarian for all their health needs, so you can also donate to the vet on behalf of Limbo-Chihuahua - Chihuahua Rescue.

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