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.

Suncoast Voices for Children seeks volunteers

Suncoast Voices for Children is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide for abused, abandoned and neglected children in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. It works with community partners to meet the needs of kids in the foster care system and help young adults succeed once outside of the system.

The organization is seeking volunteers Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. until noon to help organize its Style Voiced Clothing Closet in Largo for the upcoming school year. The Style Voiced Clothing Program provides free new or like-new outfits, toiletries and other supplies to children who are entering the foster system or at risk of entering.

Volunteers will help sort clothing items and create outfit bags for children. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Suncoast Voices for Children Pinellas Closet is located at 8550 Ulmerton Road, Suite 145, Largo.

The form to sign up can be found here.


Summer Sips & Sea Lions at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is hosting a special after-hours evening fundraiser to celebrate its new resident sea lions at the newly opened Pinniped Pier. Each adult ticket includes sunset views, full aquarium admission after hours and one complimentary drink ticket. Food will be available for purchase throughout the night.

The event also includes sea lion talks led by CMA’s animal care team, presentations about CMA’s resident dolphins and the stories that brought them to the aquarium and a dueling piano performance by MarkedChords.

Guests must be 21 and over and will be required to show ID for alcoholic drink consumption and/or ticket purchase.

All proceeds will support CMA’s mission to rescue, rehab and release marine life.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Volunteer for Heatwave Half-Marathon

Bodies Race Company’s mission is to build healthier, more active communities through fun, accessible and family-friendly race events.

On Sunday, July 19 the organization will host a Heatwave Half-Marathon at Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Avenue N., Seminole.

Volunteers are needed between the hours of 6 and 10:30 a.m. Roles include giving out water and picking up discarded cups, guiding runners on the right path and cheering them on, photographing special moments, and handing out medals and managing the awards table at the finish line.

All participants must be 16 years and older or accompanied by an adult. As a thank-you, volunteers will receive their choice of a $20 Amazon gift card or two entries to a future Bodies Race. Community service hours are accepted.

More information can be found here.


Join a PURE Initiative cleanup

PURE Initiative is a local nonprofit dedicated to cleaning, upholding and reviving the water in Tampa Bay to be swimmable again. It organizes cleanups and partners with like-minded organizations to help make a difference.

On Sunday, July 12, PURE Initiative is partnering with AMIkids for a Gandy Boulevard cleanup from 8 until 10 a.m. AMIkids provides young boys, ages 11–17, with care, guidance and the skills needed to unlock their potential, transform their lives and build a future of success and fulfillment.

Volunteers should wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Donuts, gloves, bags and cleanup supplies will be provided. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver onsite.

The trash cleanup will be from 8 until 9 a.m. and a weigh-in and disposal will be from 9 until 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most garbage collected.

Volunteers will meet at the AMIkids Boat Yard, 12022 Gandy Boulevard N., St. Petersburg.

To reserve a spot, click here.

Arts and crafts volunteers needed

AccentCare Hospice and Palliative Care of Pinellas County is seeking volunteers who enjoy creating arts and crafts.

Projects range from making thumbprint jewelry to seasonal projects such as creating poster boards, holiday decorations and more. No experience is required and some projects can be done from home.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one to three hours per month. Participants must be 18 years or older, undergo a background check and attend an orientation.

AccentCare is located at 17757 U.S. Highway 19 N., Suite 300, Clearwater.

To learn more about volunteering, click here or email kimberlyglem@accentcare.com.

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.