TAMPA, Fla. — Metropolitan Ministries said they've seen a 23% drop in Thanksgiving food donations compared to this time last year, while the number of families registered for help has increased by 20%.
There are still more than 1,800 families who are in urgent need over the next two days, an indication that families are still needing help after the recent hurricanes.
Related: Metropolitan Ministries needs volunteers to help this holiday season
The most needed items include:
- frozen turkeys and hams
- canned yams
- stuffing
- canned vegetables
- boxed potatoes
- cranberry sauce
- gravy
- cereal
- rice
- beans
- macaroni and cheese
- dessert mixes
- gift cards
- toys/gifts for children ages 4-17
Click here to see a full list of donation drop-off locations.
Monetary donations can be made here. All monetary donations will be matched by a donor to ensure that twice as many families are helped.
You can find more information on volunteering here.

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