Collections for Metropolitan Ministries of Pasco Begin Saturday

The Metropolitan Ministries of Pasco collection tent at Keystone Church opens Saturday for donations, and there are a few items that rank high on the organization's wish list.

"Every year the biggest item needed for Christmas is teenage gifts.  They seem to be the hardest to buy for and there is always a shortage.  I would love to see groups or businesses do age group toy drives and really do something big for those kids!" tent coordinator Angela Hobson said in an email.

Infant gifts, boxed cereal, stuffing, canned fruit and yams also top the most-needed list.

The tent will be open for donations Dec. 10 through Dec. 21, according to the following schedule:

Monday—Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday—Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, 12 to 3 p.m.

Collections end Dec. 21 because Metropolitan Ministries of Pasco distributes to their families in need by the 22nd, Hobson said.

Our hope for future years is to make this a community effort where churches, businesses, civic groups and others become involved in volunteering in the tent and do more food and toy drives, so it's not just a Keystone Community Church effort, Hobson said.

"We have had groups from Candlewood Community Church and First United Methodist of Lutz volunteering and we were so glad they decided to help,"  Hobson said.

Individual volunteers also are needed to assist with collections. A calendar lists time slots and number of volunteers needed, as well as as online sign up form.

Keystone Church is located at 21010 SR 54 in Lutz. Call 813-962-4522 for information, or visit the website.