Church’s Giveaway Day aids hundreds
PALM HARBOR — More than 250 people recently walked into the fellowship hall of Lutheran Church of the Palms and walked out stuff they really needed — clothes, food, furniture, cleaning supplies, and more — and all of it was free.
The church’s “Giveaway Day” is an annual event in which they give away basic items to help stretch already overstretched budgets. Everything given away at the church was donated by church members and others during a campaign that began in January.
Over 25 volunteers were there to assist. Organizations that also benefited include Bay Pines V.A., the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Suncoast Services, Clothes to Kids, Suncoast Animal League, Red Tent, and the Hope Foundation.
Lutheran Church of the Palms is a member congregation of the ELCA serving Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Commission marks women’s history, government pros
LARGO — City Commissioners here celebrated two ceremonial proclamations during their March 3 meeting, recognizing Women’s History Month and Government Finance Professionals Week.
Women’s History Month, observed in March, celebrates the women who strengthen and inspire the community every day. With women representing more than half of Largo’s population, the proclamation highlighted their leadership, creativity, and commitment to communities. The Largo Public Library, founded by the Largo Woman’s Club and officially opened in 1916, stands as an important part of women’s history in Largo. The library’s first committee included Mrs. D.F. Judkins, Mrs. W.F. Belcher, Mrs. J.T. Jackson, Mrs. W.M. Ulmer, and Mrs. Ann McMullen.
At the commission meeting, Community Engagement Specialist Aileen Carey shared ongoing efforts to inspire Largo’s future women leaders such as the Pinellas County Schools Great American Teach-in and mentorship program. She also highlighted the Largo Public Library’s resources including books and other materials by women authors that share their stories and experiences as well as the Women’s History Month display.
The commission proclaimed March 16-20 as Government Finance Professionals Week to recognize the essential work of finance professionals who support responsible stewardship of public resources and the programs that serve the community and across Florida. In the proclamation, the city expressed appreciation to the Finance Department and Office of Performance and Budget for their role in maintaining the city’s financial integrity. Finance Director Rebecca Spuhler and Performance and Budget Director Kristina Messenger spoke briefly to recognize the teams who support the city’s annual budget and key financial operations including audits, financial reporting, payroll, contracts, and grants.