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TAMPA – Christmas came early for 25 Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough families, as children received 50 new bicycles thanks to the onbikes program and community supporters.

Ten Habitat families picked up bicycles Dec. 18 at the onbikes warehouse, where some excited children had the chance to receive and ride their new bikes. 

For many children, it’s the first set of wheels they’ve ever owned. 

An additional 15 families received their bicycles the week prior. Some parents chose to make the bikes a surprise waiting under the tree on Christmas morning.

For families working toward first-time homeownership with Habitat, the gift represents more than a holiday surprise. Parents say the bicycles bring joy and encouragement as they continue to invest hundreds of “sweat equity” hours toward the purchase of a safe, affordable Habitat home with a mortgage designed to fit their budget.

“These families are doing the real work and moving closer to the dream of being able to put down roots for the next generation,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “It’s a little extra Christmas magic, so their children will also know that wonderful feeling of having their own new bikes to ride.”

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills Mayor’s Youth Council presented an $11,000 check to the Community Hope and Intervention Project of Zephyrhills during a city council meeting Dec. 8 at Zephyrhills City Hall.

Members of the youth council, led by Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, selected CHIPZ as their annual community project, setting an original fundraising goal of $4,000. 

CHIPZ supports people experiencing homelessness in the Zephyrhills area through outreach and prevention, community navigation and connections to critical resources. The 501c3 organization strives “to create and increase access to programs, services and housing for the most vulnerable residents of Zephyrhills and the surrounding area.”

The youth council raised $10,830 through its citywide Chicken BBQ Drive-Thru fundraiser. 

Pitmaster Kevin Bahr, of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, prepared all 350 chicken dinners with support from Beth Aker, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Pasco.

Ten youth council members and six volunteers from the Zephyrhills JROTC and Zephyrhills FFA assisted during the event. City staff and youth council mentors also supported operations throughout the evening. 

The event had 20 community sponsors, many of whom donated their purchased meals, allowing more than 150 dinners to be served directly to residents in need.

Additional last-minute contributions from community donors pushed the total to $11,000.

CLEARWATER – Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family or job training for someone seeking a fresh start?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites Tampa Bay residents to experience the joy of giving through the Light the World Giving Machine.

The red vending machines make it easy to donate essential items locally to those in need.

Now through Jan. 3, visitors to Clearwater Mall, 2719 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Suite. 1120, Clearwater (at the Crumbl Cookies storefront) can use the Giving Machine to buy charitable gifts such as meals, hygiene kits, clothing, livestock and more for individuals and families supported by trusted, local and global nonprofit organizations.

Every item purchased at the Clearwater Mall Giving Machine directly benefits one of five participating Tampa Bay-area charities and two global charities: Metropolitan Ministries, Premier Community HealthCare, The Spring of Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas, The Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs, Mentors International (Global) and Splash (Global).

“Domestic violence impacts so many families in our community,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas. 

“Support like this ensures CASA can help local survivors and their children find hope and healing.”

Tampa residents Patrick and Anne Thornton said the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without a chance to give to others. They’re excited to help neighbors via the Giving Machine. 

On the web: GivingMachine.org

Tampa Bay residents can get free medical resources

TAMPA – Pioneer Medical Foundation hopes to bridge the gap some residents across Tampa Bay face when it comes to access to medical care and critical community resources.

The nonprofit will host its fifth annual Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Water Works Park, 1701 N. Highland Ave., Tampa. 

Physicians, volunteers and community partners will provide medical attention, social support and resources.

“We design this gathering around the needs we see in our community,” said Ano Kashumba, executive director of Pioneer Medical Foundation. “From preventive medical screenings to clothing and job support, the event is a one-stop opportunity for people to take their next step with confidence.”

Since its inception, the Community Health Fair has served more than 1,000 people who might not otherwise have access to care. 

Last year, nearly 200 community members received dental extractions, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, warm meals and follow-up treatment. One participant’s mammogram revealed a potential health concern and was quickly connected to lifesaving care.

“From day one, Pioneer Medical Foundation has been guided by a simple principle: high-quality health care should be accessible to everyone and strong communities are built when no one is left behind,” said Dr. S. Ifran Ali, president and CEO of Pioneer Medical Group. “The Community Health Fair is a tangible expression of that mission, bringing together volunteers, physicians and partners to remove barriers and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The initiative expands its offerings with lung cancer screenings in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and on-site mammograms through AdventHealth.

Pasco County Fire Rescue pioneers life-saving care

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Fire Rescue is launching its new Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program beginning Dec. 17. 

The groundbreaking initiative brings life-saving blood directly to patients before they ever reach the hospital.

Pasco County Fire Rescue is one of only two fire departments in the Tampa Bay area providing this advanced level of care. Specially trained critical care team members will carry blood supplies and respond directly to trauma scenes when a transfusion is needed.

“Administering blood right at the scene means patients get critical care at the very moment they need it most,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “This program marks a major step forward in trauma care for our community.”

Severe blood loss is one of the most dangerous complications in trauma emergencies, accounting for nearly 40% of trauma-related deaths. 

Follow Pasco County Fire Rescue on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn about upcoming blood drives.

On the web: mypas.co/FireRescue

Hospital offers breastfeeding support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.

Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs: 

• Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
• Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
• Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
• Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

ODESSA – The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club drew large crowds at its 46th annual Arts and Crafts Show on Dec. 6 and 7 at Keystone Prep High School.

More than 150 vendors showcased a wide variety of handmade goods, art and holiday gifts.

The club’s own “Green Shirt Ladies” were busy at their popular craft booth, offering items made and donated by club members. Shoppers also enjoyed lunch from the hot dog tent, which kept both customers and vendors fed throughout the two-day event.

As part of the club’s ongoing commitment to civic service, the Civic Engagement Community Service Program operated a Tombola tent, with proceeds benefiting the Baldomero Lopez Veterans Home.

A panel of judges awarded prizes to participating artists, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship on display.

The Arts and Crafts Show serves as the club’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the many charitable projects and service initiatives carried out year-round. 

Club leaders emphasized that the event’s continued success is made possible through the dedication, teamwork and many volunteer hours contributed by members and their families.

On the web: gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org 

CLEARWATER – Four local people without insurance received a life-changing holiday gift. They will start 2026 by regaining their mobility with a new knee or hip replacement.

BayCare’s Orthopedic Institute partnered with the Clearwater Free Clinic, the St. Pete Free Clinic and Operation Walk USA to provide the four with free joint replacement surgeries.  

The surgeries were performed by orthopedic surgeons Dr. Duane Belongie, Dr. Christopher Grayson, Dr. Christopher James and Dr. David Whiddon. They donated their services Dec. 6 at BayCare’s Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor. Also donating their services were anesthesiology physicians Dr. Jay Epstein, Dr. Jacob Ludin and Dr. Hope Sprunger. 

Operation Walk USA is a medical charitable organization that addresses the needs of uninsured patients in the United States who require a hip or knee replacement surgery.

BayCare worked with the clinics to obtain a list of patients consistently in need of joint replacements. 2025 marks BayCare’s third consecutive year participating in Operation Walk. 

“At BayCare, we have a mission to improve the health of those that we serve,” said Gina Rowland, director of BayCare’s Orthopedic Institute. “This includes those facing difficult circumstances, where health care may not be easily accessible. Operation Walk allows for us to support our community and make a positive impact to those in need.”    

To qualify for the free surgeries, patients had to meet specific federal income requirements and be uninsured. 

Rowland said BayCare covered the cost of every aspect of these uninsured patients’ surgical journeys. This included presurgical testing, surgery, hospitalization, prescriptions, medical equipment, home health care and outpatient rehabilitation. She added that hip and knee implants were donated by orthopedic vendors. All pre- and post-surgery medical visits were also covered. 

Melissa Monforte, 53, of Hudson, had her right hip replaced. Monforte learned about Operation Walk USA by doing her own research on charitable surgeries. She said her family was initially skeptical. 

“They told me, ‘Don’t bet on it, Mom,’” Monforte said. “They just thought I was some old lady going on a whim.”

Her family’s doubts faded as the Operation Walk USA process advanced through BayCare and Monforte was confirmed for the hip replacement. Monforte showed her family emails and correspondence as evidence that she was going to get a free hip replacement. Monforte said her daughter started crying when it became a reality that her mom was going to get the help she needed.

“I cried too,” Monforte said.  

Before the surgery, Monforte said she was unable to walk 200 feet without excruciating pain and needed a motorized cart when shopping. Monforte said she’s looking forward to walking pain-free again and doing things with her grandchildren.  

“I couldn’t go trick-or-treating with my 4-year-old granddaughter,” Monforte said. “I need to go back to work again, I just want to live.”

The work with Operation Walk USA is just one example of BayCare supporting the region’s health through community benefit. BayCare spent $107 million last year in unreimbursed costs for patients without insurance.  

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College will host winter commencement on Dec. 10 in the Physical Fitness Center at the West Campus. 

Approximately 300 degrees and certificates will be conferred, with more than 960 summer and fall graduates estimated to be eligible to participate.

Two commencement ceremonies will honor graduates earning bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The afternoon commencement will begin at 3:30 p.m. 

The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.

A few of the winter graduates shared their thoughts on achieving their goals. 

Tyson Branstetter

Tyson Branstetter, of the Instructional Performing Arts Center, is set to graduate with an associate in science in digital media/multimedia technology. 

Branstetter began his higher education in high school as a Dual Enrollment student with PHSC, coming to the college after graduation and pursuing different options. 

Branstetter has enjoyed helping with PHSC’s upcoming student podcast, “The Bobcat Banter,” where he has gained hands-on experience in production with the support of Assistant Professor Jonathan Tietz. 

He encourages high school students to take advantage of Dual Enrollment, which he believes makes completing an associate degree much more manageable. 

As he graduates, Branstetter is excited to begin his new photography job at Busch Gardens in Tampa. He hopes to move further into professional video work while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.

Noelle Wilkins

Noelle Wilkins, of the Spring Hill Campus, is set to graduate with an associate in arts degree, with a plan to pursue elementary education. 

“I’ve always loved learning, and pursuing higher education has felt natural to me since a young age,” Wilkins said. “My time in PHSC gave me a chance to be a part of something bigger – to connect, build a community, lead and grow alongside others who share my passion for making a difference. As I continue my journey with Florida College System Student Government Association and work toward my bachelor’s, I hope to inspire my future students to believe in themselves and reach for greater things.”

After graduation, her next steps include guiding fellow students toward leadership and self-growth and becoming an educator who helps students to their full potential.

Emma Dunsmore

Emma Dunsmore, of the West Campus, is graduating with an associate in arts degree with a plan to pursue political science. 

“My academic journey has been rich with experiences that have gotten me to deepen my love for my community and hometown,” Dunsmore said. “By being a PHSC student, I was able to find my way back to myself and find what makes me who I am, at my core. I fell in love with being a student again and became even more passionate about higher education. For that, I’m entirely grateful for PHSC.”

Moving forward after graduation, she is excited to expand her horizons at the University of South Florida and meet new people.

“PHSC has taught me patience (with myself), empathy and what taking initiative really means,” she said. “I have gotten the opportunity to see leaders that I look up to in my local community and be inspired by their work.”

Kenton Emerson

Kenton Emerson, of the East Campus, is graduating with a certificate in welding technology. 

Initially torn between plumbing, truck driving and welding, Emerson ultimately chose the path that sparked his creativity, welding. 

Emerson said choosing PHSC was an easy decision; it’s close to home, offers the hands-on experience he was looking for and is affordable. Emerson plans to one day build his own gym equipment and turn his passion into a business he truly enjoys.