Your Guide to Giving Back
By Beth Deyo
The holiday season is a time to come together, count our blessings, and, when possible, give back. This year, our community has weathered more than its fair share of storms, creating an even greater need for locals and the nonprofits that support them. Many of these organizations are continuing their regular efforts while also stretching their resources even further to meet the increased demand.
If you’re looking for ways to spread a little extra kindness this season, consider helping one or more of the local organizations that work year-round to make our community a better place. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply take some time to learn more about their mission and spread the word, every gesture makes a difference.
Let’s take a look at just a few of the local nonprofits working hard to Keep Bradenton Strong.
THE FOOD BANK OF MANATEE
A program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, the Food Bank of Manatee is the
largest hunger-relief organization in the county. Its warehouse serves as a pick-up
point for food pantries across the county. Following the recent storms, their shelves
are in desperate need of restocking. All food and financial donations stay within
Manatee County.
How you can help: Consider donating nonperishable food items. You can drop them
off at any Manatee County Library, Goodwill Store, or the Meals on Wheels PLUS
main building, located at 811 23rd Ave. E. in Bradenton. You can also host your own
food drive or make a monetary donation.
Learn more: MealsOnWheelsPlus.org
FEEDING EMPTY LITTLE TUMMIES (FELT)
Feeding Empty Little Tummies focuses on supporting homeless and food-insecure
students in Manatee County. Every Friday during the school year, eligible students
are provided with a backpack full of kid-sized food items, so they won’t go hungry
over the weekend.
Unfortunately, FELT’s food distribution warehouse suffered major roof and structural
damage from Hurricane Milton. In addition to collecting donations to feed over 1,300 kids per week, they’re also raising funds to repair the damage.
How you can help: Donate individual or kid-sized nonperishable food items (cans
must have pull tops). Some of the best options include small cans of soup, cans of
ravioli, SpaghettiOs, granola bars, Pop-Tarts, juice boxes, fruit cups, pudding cups,
and small plastic jars of peanut butter. Look for red donation bins around town or
call 941-896-7870 for more information. You can also make a financial donation on
their website.
Learn more: FeltInc.org
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF MANATEE COUNTY
The Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) is a no-kill shelter that also offers
a veterinary clinic and a high-volume spay and neuter clinic. Their Second Chance
Adoption Center is responsible for re-homing more than 800 cats and dogs a year.
How you can help: Make the holidays a bit brighter for the shelter animals by
purchasing items on the HSMC’s Amazon wish list (available on their website). You
can also volunteer for a range of roles at the shelter or become a foster, giving the
animals a much-needed break from shelter life.
Learn more: HumaneManatee.org
TURNING POINTS
Turning Points is a one-stop shop that helps families and individuals who are homeless or in danger of homelessness find their way to financial stability and independence.
They offer everything from hot showers and laundry services to free medical and
dental services for the uninsured, rental and utility assistance, employment services,
veteran’s services, and more.
How you can help: Consider volunteering or donating needed items, such as coats,
travel-sized hygiene items (like shampoo and toothpaste), clothing, working or non
working bicycles, towels, sneakers, and work boots. Drop-off hours are Monday
Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at 701 18th Ave. W., Bradenton.
Learn more: TPManatee.org
HOPE FAMILY SERVICES
Since 1979, HOPE Family Services has been helping victims of domestic violence in
Manatee County. They provide a wide range of services including an Emergency Safe Center, children’s programs, counseling, a 24-hour helpline and live chat, and more.
The HOPE Chest Thrift Store, located at 1215 8th Ave. W., is full of unique treasures,
and each purchase helps support their efforts.
How you can help: Visit HOPE’s Amazon shelter wish list (available on their website) to help stock the shelter ahead of the holidays. You can also apply to volunteer, donate gently used items to the HOPE Chest, or have some fun thrifting for a great cause.
Learn more: HopeFamilyService.org
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUNCOAST
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) supports local youth (affectionately called “Littles”)
by pairing them up with caring adult mentors (known as “Bigs”). The program is
open to kids aged 6 to 18. Bigs can choose between site-based mentoring, which
involves meeting with a child at their school, or community-based mentoring, where
they take their Littles out for one-on-one outings. Through the support of mentors,
the programs help students stay in school, improve their reading levels, avoid risky
behaviors, and more.
How you can help: Sign up to become a Big! It’s an excellent way to make a real
difference in a child’s life and inspire the next generation. You can also make a
financial donation to help support the program.
Learn more: BBBSSun.org
THE MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) helps financial donors make informed decisions and maximize the impact of their donations. They also collaborate with nonprofits and community members, supporting several initiatives in our community and facilitating sponsorships and grants.
How you can help: Visit the MCF website to make a financial donation to the fund of your choice. Donors can also open their own charitable funds or consult with MCF for legacy planning and other philanthropic strategies.
Learn more: ManateeCF.org
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
These nonprofits are some of the more well-known organizations making an impact in the Bradenton area, but they’re far from the only ones. Countless smaller nonprofits are doing incredible work for our community, often with fewer resources and just as much heart.
If you’re inspired to give back or looking for a cause that speaks to you, consider exploring Discover Bradenton’s Nonprofit Directory. You just might find a new way to make an impact on our community. Remember, even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way, and the holiday season is the perfect time to show your support.
https://discoverbradenton.com/business/category/nonprofits/