TAMPA, Fla. – (September 12, 2006) — As thousands of families on the verge of homelessness come to Metropolitan Ministries seeking assistance, the organization faces a critical food shortage. Since last Friday when the organization began signing up families for holiday assistance, Metropolitan Ministries has gone from distributing 50 food boxes per day to 160 per day due to the influx of families in need. The organization expects 115 families before they close their Outreach center today and 350 more during the rest of the week. At current distribution rates, there is only enough food remaining to get through the next two weeks.
To meet the increased demand for help, Metropolitan Ministries is asking the community for food and financial donations, as well as volunteers who can give their time. Volunteers are needed to help sort and pack donated food into food boxes, and distribute the boxes to families being helped by the organization. Food items reaching critical levels include:
“We are in desperate need of donations” said Christine Long, senior director of programs. “If we do not have an influx of donations to keep up with the need, we may be forced to turn away struggling families in our own backyard.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Ministries donation center, located at 2101 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Financial donations can also be made via Visa and MasterCard card on-line at www.metromin.org or by calling (813) 209-1000. Checks can be mailed to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 North Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
For additional information, please visit www.metromin.org or call (813) 209-1000.