If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.
Heels to Heal Fashion Show Fundraiser
Heels to Heal is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence receive the resources necessary for healing. It offers counseling programs to help victims increase self-esteem and confidence, break the cycle of abuse and choose sustainable ways to improve their future.
The organization is hosting its 13th annual fashion show fundraiser – Fashion in Bloom, Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater.
This year’s theme, Petals and Power, will feature a runway presentation by House of Rina, in partnership with Booze & Boutiques, showcasing top local boutiques and designers. Tickets include the show, an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Sponsorships are also available. Registration ends Tuesday, April 7.
The Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 1st Street S., St Petersburg.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Jungle Lake Cleanup
Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, is hosting its next cleanup of Jungle Lake at Walter Fuller Park, Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including lake debris removal, invasive vegetation removal, native plant installation and water sample collection.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, such as boots or sneakers, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. All supplies will be provided, including gloves, waders, trash bags, pickers, sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer. A water refill station will be available. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will meet near the Walter Fuller Dog Park, 7901 30th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Parking is available.
Clothes To Kids Birthday Celebration
Clothes To Kids, Inc. was founded in 2002 by two Clearwater childhood friends who had a passion for helping children in need. Their goal was to offer a cheerful environment where families and children could shop for and receive school clothing free of charge.
The first store opened in Dunedin in 2003 then moved to a larger space in Clearwater in 2005. The second store opened in St. Petersburg in 2009 and a Tampa store opened in 2018.
Volunteers are needed in St. Petersburg and Clearwater to assist shoppers and support in-store operations, and help pick up donations and deliver Clothes To Go orders.
Also, on April 9 from 5:30 until 9 p.m., Clothes To Kids will be celebrating its 24th Birthday at Armature Works in Tampa. Funds raised will support a free week’s worth of school clothes to kids who need it most.
For more information about volunteering, click here.
To learn more about the 24th birthday celebration, click here.
Volunteer with Parc
Parc Center for Disabilities, which held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 25 for its brand-new Children’s Services Center, offers a wide range of flexible volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.
Individuals assist with administrative support, grant writing, and teaching art, reading and other skills. Groups participate in outdoor landscaping, outdoor painting and power washing, holiday gift programs, theater productions and school group projects. Help is also needed for special events, such as festivals, golf tournaments and black-tie galas.
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and individuals participating in any adult day program on a regular basis must go through a Level II background screening, paid for by Parc. Single day group projects and event volunteers are not subject screenings.
For more information and to apply, click here.
The Attic Resale Shop seeks volunteers
The Attic Resale Shop is an all-volunteer-run thrift store that benefits Morton Plant Mease Health Care.
Volunteers are needed to sort through donations, greet customers and create fun displays. Three shifts are available: 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 1:30 until 5:30 p.m.
All volunteers must be 18 years and older, and a background check and orientation are required.
The store is also always looking for donations, including gently used clothing, shoes, small furniture, household items and books.
The Attic Resale Shop is located at 1241 South Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater.
To sign up, click here.
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.