The holidays are for giving and receiving.
For some, the giving doesn’t stop with family and friends — but reaches beyond their immediate circle to help others who are less fortunate.
And, for those who do need help, the holidays can be brightened through the generosity of others.
Opportunities for giving are abundant across the region, and there are places to get help for those who need it.
Here are some of the particulars.
Metropolitan Ministries
There are three drop-off locations in Pasco County for donations:
- Metropolitan Ministries Pasco, 3214 U.S. 19 N., Holiday, through Dec. 24, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Keystone Community Church, Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz, through Dec. 22, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.
- Calvary Assembly of God, 13544 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City: Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, and then Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, Friday/Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Most needed items: Frozen turkeys and hams, cereal, yams, stuffing, gift cards, teen girl and boy gifts for Christmas (age 13 to 17), and infant gifts/educational toys
Recipients: Pre-registration is required to receive help. The Metropolitan Ministries website details what type of information/identification is needed.
In Pasco, registrations are still being accepted at:
- Metropolitan Ministries Pasco, 3214 U.S. 19 N. in Holiday: Registration accepted, through Dec. 21, on Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am. to 3 p.m.; also, on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Restored Hope, 13703 17th St., Dade City: Final pre-registration days are Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec., 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registrations have closed for Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church.
In a partnership with Pasco County Schools, school social workers have been trained on how to register families online.
To sign up to volunteer at all locations, visit Metromin.org/holiday-central/volunteer.
Christmas charity expo
The ninth annual Winter Fest Christmas Charity Expo will be Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features free pictures with Santa, more than 60 door prizes and a chance to do some holiday shopping. The event benefits Toys For Tots.
It will be held at 8718 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.
For more information, call (813) 493-4872.
25th Farm Share giveaway
The 25th annual Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway will be on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The giveaway, which includes fresh food donated by Florida’s farmers, as well as meat and other items needed to make a complete holiday meal, will be at Faith Baptist Church, 9230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. All families in need are welcome.
Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, Property Appraiser Gary Joiner, Sheriff Chris Nocco, State Sen. Ed Hooper, State Rep. Ardian Zika and State Rep. Amber Mariano are involved in the effort to help families.
“In addition to food donated by Florida farmers, we purchase hams, potatoes, canned goods and candy canes to supplement the fresh produce,” Fasano said, in a news release. “We are blessed to partner with so many generous individuals and organizations whose support makes this giveaway possible. When so many Floridians are hurting, it is wonderful to see our community come together to serve others.”
Every year, hundreds of families are provided with food and other items they need to have a complete holiday dinner. In addition to food from Farm Share, donations from Publix, Ferman Chevrolet, Land O’ Lakes Moving & Transport, Bear Creek Nursing & Rehab Center, Dayspring Academy, The Volunteer Way, Lowe’s and many other organizations and individuals make the event possible.
Collection jars for the Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway will be on display in December in each of the five tax collector offices in the county. Donations will be used to purchase fresh food for families in need this holiday season, and into 2020.
For more information about the giveaway contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179 or .
Toys For Tots
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five office locations are drop-off sites for the Marine Corps League’s annual toy drive. The locations are:
- West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey
- Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
- Land O’ Lakes, 4135 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41), Land O’ Lakes
- Wesley Chapel/Lutz, 4610 Pet Lane, Room C 101, Lutz/ Wesley Chapel
- East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, Dade City
Toys for children of military personnel will be collected up to Dec. 16.
Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is assisting the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive at these offices, on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to noon:
- Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
- Land O’ Lakes, 4135 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41), Land O’ Lakes
- Wesley Chapel/Lutz offices, 4160 Pet Lane, Room C101, Lutz/Wesley Chapel
Published December 11, 2019
