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Give A Little, Get A Lot

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

The holidays are the traditional time of giving to charities for most families. Unfortunately, with layoffs, price increases and ever tightening wallets, many of those who once gave now find themselves in need of some assistance. From local toy drives to food banks and beyond, the message has been sent and it's clear - the need this year is greater than it's been in an extremely long time.
Metropolitan Ministries is reporting a 20 percent increase in calls for help. It's also reporting a 20 percent decrease in donations. Toys for Tots of East Pasco has given out approximately twice the registration forms it normally does. Christian Social Services also reports its requests for help are up. Stories like these are not rare these days.

So, what can you do to help?

Probably a whole lot more than you even realize. In this time of need, many charitable organizations are saying that it's not the size of the donations that matter - it's the fact they come in at all.
Ana Maria Mendez is the public relations coordinator for Metropolitan Ministries. That organization is hoping to serve an estimated 24,000 families during the holidays. With clients coming from all over Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk and Pinellas counties, the group has its work cut out for it this year.

"It's people really from all walks of life," said Mendez of those asking for help. "People who are unemployed professionals - who used to be our donors - are now receiving services from us."

Considering the scale, Mendez and those who work for other charitable organizations, are all saying the same thing. "Even the smallest donations will do a lot of good."

Helping out those in need doesn't require nearly the investment that you might think. Mendez, for example, said even a single can of food is one more that will make it into the hands of the hungry. A $10 toy given to Toys for Toys will provide one more present for a youngster who might not otherwise have anything waiting Christmas morning.

To make giving easier, some local organizations have put together programs to facilitate donations. Here are some of the places you can make a small contribution and make a big difference:

• Letter Carriers Toy Drive - Postal workers will pick up toys from donors' mailboxes during their normal mail delivery rounds Dec. 6. Just leave new, unwrapped toys for babies through teens out at the box. In our area, they will be given to Toys for Tots of East Pasco for distribution.

• Metropolitan Ministries has set up drop locations throughout Pasco. Those in the central and eastern parts of the county include: Race Trac, 3817 Land O' Lakes Blvd.; Ferman at Cypress Creek, 24252 State Road 54; and Race Trac, 28053 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. A full listing of sites throughout Pasco and Hillsborough counties can be found at www.metromin.org.

• Christian Social Services, which helps families from North Tampa through Central Pasco County, accepts donations at its 5514 Land O' Lakes Blvd. location 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The group is accepting financial donations for holiday dinners, toys for children and also contributions for its year-round efforts on behalf of the area's needy.

This year, it seems, we're all being reminded of the real meaning behind the holidays. It's not about what you receive or how much you give, it's that you open your heart and give at all. The smallest of gestures can really make a difference for someone in need.

Sherri Lonon is the editor of In The Loop

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