Metropolitan Ministries needs substantial community support for its holiday program. The organization expects to serve more than 30,000 families, and Tampa Bay 28 reported that it needs about 800 food drives but had 200 to 250 booked. WMNF reported that the season’s effort also requires roughly 1 million pounds of food, 15,000 volunteers and just over 60,000 toys.
A theft has added a supply cost to that work. WFLA reported that materials valued at about $50,000 were taken last Friday from the nonprofit’s West Shore site. The missing items included aluminum from pipe-and-drape equipment and other supplies staged for four holiday tents in Hillsborough, East Pasco, West Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to Tampa Bay 28.
The organization is working with a vendor to replace the materials so the tents can open on schedule, WFLA reported. FOX 13 News reported that replacement parts are available, but buying them adds an unplanned expense.
Tampa police are investigating, and a report has been filed with the department, according to WFLA. The station reported that President and CEO Dr. Sarah Combs asked for monetary contributions toward replacement costs; the nonprofit also needs food drives, canned goods, toys and volunteers.
Households the nonprofit serves are also facing pressure from higher grocery prices and reduced SNAP benefits, 925 Maxima reported. The outlet said Armature Works, which has partnered with Metropolitan Ministries for six years, is collecting food donations through the end of October.
