FL Bar Hosts Christmas In July Fundraiser For Toys For Tots

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Having spent much of his childhood in Massachusetts in foster care, Jeff Allen Small knows firsthand all the good that the Toys for Tots Foundation does for children across the United States.

“It was a big part of my life in foster care,” Small told Patch. “In foster care, you rely on different groups in the community, like Toys for Tots, to give back to the foster care children.”

Now, as the lead bartender at the Tampa Bay Drinkery, a new Grand Central District piano bar that opened at 2756 Central Ave. in December, he’s organized a Christmas in July event to benefit the nonprofit organization.

“It hits my heart with all the families that I see in the world that are needing help,” Small said.

The event takes place July 26, 2 to 6 p.m. There will be drink specials, music by Scotty Wright and raffle prizes.

Everyone who donates a children’s gift to Toys for Tots will be given a ticket to enter the raffle.

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“The main thing is just getting toys for Toys for Tots, and not just toys, whatever they might need, clothes, toys, whatever, which is very important for families that are not able to give the greatest holiday to their kids,” he said.

He hopes the event becomes an annual fundraiser at Tampa Bay Drinkery, especially as there aren’t many Christmas in July events in St. Petersburg.

“It’s not something you see a lot around here,” Small said. “And I want to give back. St. Pete has been my home for 17 years.”

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