Metropolitan Ministries Hosts Holiday Tent In Tampa To Help Feed Needy

TAMPA, FL — With the goal of feeding 30,000 Tampa Bay families this year, Metropolitan Ministries is hosting its holiday tent at 2609 N Rome Ave. in Tampa to collect donations of food for families struggling to survive the rising cost of rent, utilities and food.

The holiday tent has become a community tradition for those who wish to give and those desperately need of help during the holidays.

"For at-risk and homeless families who struggle to make ends meet, the holidays can be painful," said Metropolitan Ministries CEO Tim Marks."With donations down by 30 percent and the need up 71 percent, we need help."

For residents like Tracy, the holiday tent is like an oasis in the desert.

Tracy was facing eviction and struggling to provide for her three special-needs children after an abusive relationship nearly cost Tracy her life. She said she had no choice but to flee with her three children in tow and no money.

Having few affordable housing options, Tracy temporarily rented a room in a low-income area but she couldn’t keep up with bills and now faces eviction.

Knowing she couldn’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner for her family this year, Tracy signed up for the services Metropolitan Ministries offers during the holiday season.

“Because of Metro, we’re able to enjoy Thanksgiving,” she said.

A meal wasn't the only support she received from Metropolitan Ministries. Tracy discovered an open door to all of the resources available to her through the nonprofit.

A community navigator available through The Neighbor HOPE Project was able to get her the resources she needed to provide for her children and find long-term stability.

“Things might not be perfect, but I’m glad they’re looking up,” Tracy said.

Most-Needed Foods

• Turkey
• Ham
• Chicken
• Cereal
• Canned yams
• Bagged or boxed stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Bagged or canned beans
• Soup
• Bags of rice
• Boxed or canned potatoes
• Gravy packets
• Dessert mixes
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• Boxed macaroni & cheese

Most-Needed Toys

Ages 0-2:

• Preschool play sets
• Character toys
• Building blocks
• Baby dolls
• Learning toys and puzzles

Ages 3-9:

• Remote-controlled cars
• Electronic games
• Fashion and baby dolls
• Legos and Lego sets

Ages 10-12

• Outdoor play sets
• Science kits
• Craft kits
• Board games

Ages 13-17:

• Jewelry
• Purses
• Makeup
• Hair accessories
• Cologne or perfume
• Sports clothing and hats

Residents can also provide gift cards through:

• Amazon: Holiday Food & Holiday Toys
• Target: Holiday Food & Toys
• Walmart: Holiday Food & Toys

Or provide monetary donations:

• Give online here by clicking DONATE
• Make a donation by phone: 813-209-1218, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Mail donations to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33602
• Launch a Facebook fundraiser
• Host a GoFundMe fundraiser by going to GoFundMe and clicking “Start a GoFundMe." Be sure to connect your fundraiser to Metropolitan Ministries to ensure the nonprofit benefits from your donation.

For residents seeking help with groceries, hot meals, residential assistance, affordable housing, rent and utility assistance, free parenting classes, child development screenings and other services offered by Metropolitan Ministries, click here.