TAMPA, Fla. — Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to giving back in communities across the country, recognized every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Organizations across the Tampa Bay area are participating through initiatives, donation drives and community events:
Mentropolitian Ministries
- WHAT: Metropolitan Ministries Giving Tuesday campaign to support families this Christmas - donations matched
- WHERE: Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent 2609 N Rome Ave., Tampa
- More information here
Current Initiatives
- WHAT: Current Initiatives’ Laundry Project, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and LaundroLab, is hosting a free laundry event for families and neighbors in St. Petersburg
- WHERE: LaundroLab Laundromat 4910 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
- More information here
LYFT
- WHAT: Every Round Up & Donate contribution in the Lyft app will be tripled, with Lyft and CEO David Risher each matching rider donations.
- More information here
Pasco County libraries
- WHAT: Pasco County libraries are collecting and donating books for local schools
- More information here
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- WHAT: Giving Tuesday is dedicated to "Annie's Fund," which supports SPCA Florida’s Foster Program that takes in and cares for underage and vulnerable puppies and kittens.
- More information here
Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies
- WHAT: Rays and Rowdies front office staff will volunteer with Feeding Tampa Bay at their Market at the Causeway Center in Tampa.
- More information here
Venice Police Department
- Santa donation boxes are available to collect toys at 13 locations throughout the Tampa Bay area until Dec. 17.
- More information here
This is an ongoing list that will be updated throughout the day.
Florida veteran served in Gulf War loses citizenship fight, fears deportation
A Florida veteran who served in the U.S. Marines during the Persian Gulf War has lost his federal court case in his decade-long fight for U.S. citizenship — and now faces deportation to a country that may no longer claim him.
