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.
Great Southeast Pollinator Census
The Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is holding a pollinator census event Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at 8 a.m. each day, at Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater. Volunteers are needed to count bees, butterflies and other flower visitors.
Each participant will choose a plant, monitor it for 15 minutes and count how many pollinators visit. No experience is needed and insect identification and counting guides are provided.
This is a great opportunity for school groups, gardeners, families and individuals to be a part of the University of Georgia’s Great Southeast Pollinator Census, which will simultaneously take place in Florida and five other southeastern states.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park is located at 2750 Park Trail Lane.
Volunteers needed for Tampa Bay Ray Games
Live Life With Purpose International is a global organization that serves as a catalyst for women’s empowerment. It helps to educate and enhance the lives of women who are experiencing homelessness, health disparities and economic inequalities.
The organization’s local chapter is seeking volunteers to manage its beer and pretzel stands at Tropicana Field for the Tampa Bay Rays’ home games.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and a valid issued government ID is required.
Tropicana Field is located at 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg.
Mangrove and Shoreline Cleanup
Woodie’s Wash Shack and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are seeking volunteers for a shoreline and mangrove cleanup at North Gandy Beach Friday, Aug. 21 from 8 until 11 a.m.
Volunteers must wear closed toe shoes; weather appropriate clothing and sun protection are recommended.
Cleanup supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available onsite.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian, and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free parking is available along the shoreline and grass.
Click for directions and to sign up.
St. Vincent de Paul CARES seeks receptionists
St. Vincent de Paul CARES (SVdP CARES) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping veterans, families and individuals who are homeless or suffering due to housing instability.
SVdP CARES is seeking volunteers who can commit to working as a receptionist for two to four hours, three days a week, in its Clearwater office. Shifts are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Volunteers will greet visitors, answer calls and direct guests to the appropriate staff or services.
A level 2 background check and fingerprinting are required for this role.
SVdP CARES is located at 2735 Whitney Road, Clearwater.
For more information, click here.
Volunteer with Citizen’s Climate Lobby
Citizen’s Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots organization that is focused on national policies to address climate change. It has more than 500 chapters across the United States.
The organization’s St. Petersburg chapter is seeking volunteers to educate the community about global warming and legislative solutions, write letters to the editors, host film screenings and panel conversations and meet with local media.
Training is provided through weekly livestream informational sessions. Work can be done onsite or virtually.
To learn more or 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.