Get Involved in Your New Tampa Community

What really makes a community special are the people who live in it and give back to it. Everybody has something to contribute — whether it’s donating money, time, talent or possessions. Here in New Tampa, there are dozens of ways you can make this a better place. We’re pretty sure when you participate, you’ll get a lot more than you give. Goodwill Industries Suncoast Since 1954, when the first Goodwill-Suncoast opened in downtown St. Petersburg, the program has grown into one of Goodwill Industries’ largest in the nation. In 2014, it found jobs for over 15,000 people and served more than 74,000, providing free meals, job skills training and more. You can help by donating clothing, volunteering time or shopping for bargains. The nearest Goodwill to our new Tampa homes for sale is in Wesley Chapel. The Salvation Army of Tampa The first Tampa/Hillsborough County Salvation Army opened in 1893. Last year, Tampa SA served 111,000 meals and provided 74,000 nights of shelter. They encourage the entire family to volunteer in a variety of opportunities including hosting donation drives, preparing and serving meals in an emergency or transitional shelter or ringing a Red Kettle bell during the holidays. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities year-round. Hospice Care Center Volunteers 14 and older who want to help others make the most of life are welcome. Whether you work in the thrift store, provide pet therapy, provide office assistance or just whisper kind words, you’ll be matched with a volunteer opportunity that matches your talents, interests and schedule. Comprehensive, complimentary training is provided. Support the Arts Be a docent or an usher. Build a set or make a costume. Teach a budding artist. If you’ve got a special skill, a friendly smile or just a pair of hands, you can support the arts in Tampa. Programs in need of volunteers include Five by Five Tampa Bay, an annual fall event, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Jobsite Theater, MacDonald Training Center Art Program, Moffit Cancer Center Arts in Medicine, Stageworks Theatre, Tampa Repertory Theatre, and Tampa Theatre. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful The local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful has won a number of national and regional awards for its local beautification and environmental protection efforts. Volunteers are welcome to assist with programs throughout the area including cleanups, restoration projects, and community gardens. Fight for Air Climb The American Lung Association is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The local chapter pitches in with its annual fundraiser, a vertical road race where teams and individuals climb to the top of Tampa-area skyscrapers, stadiums and arenas. Be a Mentor Expand your horizons when you open your home and heart to a foreign exchange student ages 15-18. You agree to provide a bedroom and three meals a day for one or two semesters. Students come from Germany, Spain, Austria, Thailand and China and are responsible for their own personal expenses and medical insurance. Traditional and non-traditional families are welcome to participate. Do you live in one of our new homes in Tampa and know about other community volunteer opportunities or good causes? Let us know.