{"id":424011,"date":"2026-10-10T05:52:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T05:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/424011\/"},"modified":"2026-10-10T05:52:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T05:52:09","slug":"five-ways-to-give-back-and-get-involved-in-your-community-52","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/424011\/","title":{"rendered":"Five ways to give back and get involved in your community"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/stpetecatalyst.com\/impact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Impact Connector<\/a> is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that\u2019s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We\u2019re certain you\u2019ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-75533 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1662\" height=\"48\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Volunteer for the American Lung Association Bike Trek<\/p>\n<p>The American Lung Association is recruiting volunteers for the Gulf Coast Bike Trek, Saturday, Oct. 17 beginning at 6 a.m. at the John R. Lawrence Park in downtown Dunedin.<\/p>\n<p>The event brings together riders and the community for a day dedicated to supporting lung health and life saving research.<\/p>\n<p>Various shifts are available between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Roles include event setup, registration, starting line and finish line support, encouraging riders along the route, photographing the event, VIP support and event breakdown.<\/p>\n<p>All volunteers must be 18 and older and will receive water and snacks throughout each shift and a complimentary event T-shirt.<\/p>\n<p>John R. Lawrence Park is located at 420 Main Street, Dunedin.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/30E0549AAA72BA5FC1-65026554-2026#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-75533 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1662\" height=\"48\"  \/><br \/>\nCreative Clay fundraiser<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-125871 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Creative-Clay-Good-Folk-Fest-300x165.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"165\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Creative Clay helps people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through expressive, educational and vocational experiences in the arts.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, Oct. 17, Creative Clay is presenting \u201cGood Folk Fest\u201d at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club from 6 to 9 p.m. The event, featuring a live performance by the Betty Fox Band, will also include an exhibit showcasing artwork created through Creative Clay\u2019s employment and mentorship program, food trucks, merchandise and shuffleboard.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets start at $50 for general admission. VIP tickets include a meet and greet with Betty Fox prior to the event as well as a drink ticket and food from Mickey\u2019s Caf\u00e9 and Organics.<\/p>\n<p>The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is located at 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n<p>For more information and to purchase tickets, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/good-folk-fest-with-betty-fox-band-tickets-1990486863792\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\"\/><br \/>\nMorton Plant Mease Health Care Gala<\/p>\n<p>The Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation is holding its Illuminate Gala, Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Opal Sol on Clearwater Beach from 6 to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-125872 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Morton-Plant-Mease-Health-Care-Foundation-Illuminate-Gala-300x152.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"152\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>The gala marks the start of a yearlong celebration of 50 years of philanthropy to deliver exceptional and innovative care to patients throughout north Pinellas and west Pasco counties.<\/p>\n<p>The evening will include cocktails, a sit-down dinner and a live auction.<\/p>\n<p>Opal Sol is located at 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mpmf.org\/events\/illuminate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Click here<\/a> for more information and to register.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-75533 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1662\" height=\"48\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Vitas Healthcare of Pinellas County seeks administrative volunteers<\/p>\n<p>Since 1978, VITAS Healthcare has empowered patients and families as they navigate end-of-life care decisions.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-125873 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/VITAS-Healthcare-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>VITAS Healthcare of Pinellas County is seeking administrative volunteers to help with clerical assignments in the office, including filing, preparing mailings, computer input, answering phones, restocking supplies, making packets and special projects.<\/p>\n<p>Volunteers are needed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours are flexible. The minimum age to volunteer is 16. An orientation and training is provided.<\/p>\n<p>The St. Petersburg VITAS Hospice office is located at 12425 28th Street N., Suite 201.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealist.org\/en\/volunteer-opportunity\/c8490c502a074d9590263bc9ddf7a955-hospice-office-administrative-volunteer-vitas-healthcare-of-pinellas-county-st-petersburg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Fill out a volunteer form here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-75533 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1662\" height=\"48\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>SOUL Meadowlawn Community Cleanup<\/p>\n<p>Stewards of Our Urban Lakes, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of St. Petersburg and Meadowlawn Neighborhood Association are hosting their next cleanup of Meadowlawn Park Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until noon.<\/p>\n<p>Volunteers will assist with lake debris removal, neighborhood litter and debris pickup, invasive vegetation removal and native plant installation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-125874 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Meadowlawn-Lake-Cleanup-300x153.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"153\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they don\u2019t mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable water bottle are recommended.<\/p>\n<p>Cleanup supplies, including gloves, pickers, trash bags, bug spray and safety vests will be provided.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian.<\/p>\n<p>Volunteers will meet near the playground area at Meadowlawn Park at 73rd Avenue N. and 14th Street N., St. Petersburg.\u00a0 There is no parking lot on site; only street parking is available. Carpooling is encouraged.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/meadowlawn-lake-clean-ups-2026-tickets-1979171489202?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Sign-up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-75533 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791611527_154_Screenshot-2023-06-14-at-3.03.56-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1662\" height=\"48\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>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, <a href=\"https:\/\/stpetecatalyst.com\/contribute\/impact-connector-board\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/stpetecatalyst.com\/contribute\/impact-connector-board\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748189752973000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ixRSFxNxKWBVBWqylfJmo\">click here<\/a>\u00a0to submit your opportunity. We\u2019ll get the word out to our readers.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst\u2019s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":424012,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[202,204,203,199,201,200],"class_list":["post-424011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-st-petersburg","tag-st-pete","tag-st-pete-headlines","tag-st-pete-news","tag-st-petersburg","tag-st-petersburg-headlines","tag-st-petersburg-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=424011"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424011\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/424012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=424011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=424011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=424011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}