Across the bay, families are preparing for the upcoming holiday season. While most families are hanging stockings and baking cookies, there is a great number of people in the bay area who are struggling to find their next meal, or a place to stay to get out of the cold.

  With homelessness in Tampa rating among the highest in the country, this holiday season has become increasingly more difficult for more people than ever before. Many of these people have been able to find a little hope in the form of Metropolitan Ministries.

  For 40 years, Metropolitan Ministries not only serves over 1,700 meals a day to the hungry, but they also help more than 150 families daily who come to the Outreach and Prevention Center for help with clothing, shelter, and an employment boot camp. They have also opened a cafe, called “Inside the Box” to raise money to build an expansion called “Miracle Place.”

  All of this work doesn’t pause, however, for the holidays. The holidays are their busiest time of year.

  “We provide holiday assistance to the struggling or the homeless. We provide meals and toys to the families,” said David Bledsoe, Associate Director of Community Relations. “We especially need things like turkeys, fruit, cereal and toys.”

  Donations can be dropped off at the tent location on 400 West Palm Avenue in Tampa. Donations can also be dropped off at Smoothie King locations, Walgreens, and the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office.

  “There are also still volunteer shifts available,” said Bledsoe. “Just call (813) 209-1000 and say ‘I want to volunteer!’ and they will direct you from there.”

  For more information on how to help, make a donation, of find community events to help or benefits to attend, visit MetroMin.org or call (813) 209-1000.