Tampa Bay Groups Seek Holiday Volunteers To Feed Families and Help Animals

Non-profit groups across Tampa Bay need volunteers this holiday season to battle hunger and care for animals. Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, and Positive Impact are calling for help to distribute food to families struggling with rising costs.

Sam Lazar-Bergstrom volunteers for several groups in the area, including Positive Impact, which provides fresh food to people who need it. "It's just the most wonderful experience. Doing something for other people is so rewarding, it just makes your heart swell with joy," said Lazar-Bergstrom, according to Tampa Bay 28.

John Bailey volunteers with Lazar-Bergstrom at local groups. "It's been very rewarding, you know, just to be up here and serve the people and be a service to this community," said Bailey.

Families have struggled to pay bills this year. Costs remain high. Groups that distribute fresh food depend on volunteers to keep running.

"Most organizations couldn't run without volunteers. They're such an integral part of any organization," Lazar-Bergstrom said. Bailey thinks people don't realize how valuable their time and service can be to a community.

Animal welfare groups are asking for assistance during the holidays too. Pinellas County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay want people to walk dogs and play with cats.

Regan Blessinger with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay said volunteers are the backbone of their work. "Last year, we saved over 10,000 animals and that truly cannot happen without volunteers," said Blessinger.

Dogs at shelters would spend all day in their kennels without volunteers to let them out, according to Lazar-Bergstrom, who also works with Pinellas County Animal Services. Hans Wohlgefahrt, who has worked for several animal shelters, pointed out that groups of all sizes need support.

Karalynne Brubaker, one of the founders of Positive Impact, urges first-time volunteers to sign up this holiday season. "Just see what it feels like to see a little child in a car and know that you're sending them home with nutritional food," said Brubaker.

People interested in volunteering can visit organization websites to find information about signing up.