TAMPA, Fla. — The 2019 holiday season is quickly approaching and that means many less fortunate families in the Tampa Bay area may find themselves without food or gifts to celebrate the season.
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That is where Metropolitan Ministries steps in. The charity launches its annual holiday assistance outreach HOPE campaign on Friday.
WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil's Bullard Family Foundation’s Joy of Giving is joining forces with Metropolitan Ministries to help even more families this year.
"I believe in the work they have done for nearly 50 years to help deliver hope to families," said Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil. "I know that by partnering my Bullard Family Foundation with them, that our combined goal of reaching 30,000 families in need throughout Tampa Bay is very attainable."
Metropolitan Ministries and the Bullard Family Foundation hope to bring Thanksgiving and Christmas through services offered at its holiday tent and satellite locations throughout the Tampa Bay area.
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This year the holiday tent will be set up along the Hillsborough River at 2609 North Rome Ave.
Here is who can sign up to receive assistance:
- Families struggling financially with children under 18 years of age.
- Families receiving food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, unemployment benefits, cash assistance or SSD Award Letter
- Seniors age 62 or older who are struggling financially or whose only income is Social Security
- Adults living only on Social Security disability benefits
Registration for assistance will take place at the following locations:
Anointed Word Ministries
1709 W. St Joseph St., Tampa
Oct. 11–Nov. 26, Dec. 3-21: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metro Ministries Family Support Center
2301 N. Tampa St., Tampa
Oct. 15–Nov. 19, Dec. 3–17: Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.
Holiday Campus Family Support Center
3214 US 19 North, Holiday
Oct. 11–Nov. 26, Dec. 3–21: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 15–Nov. 19, Dec. 3–17: Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.
Restored Hope
13703 17th St., Dade City
Oct. 21–Nov. 14, Dec. 2–12: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Positive Impact Church
2750 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
Oct. 30–Nov. 2: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 5–7: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Applicants will need to bring a photo ID, Social Security cards or birth certifications for everyone in the household, proof of Social Security or unemployment benefits, and a current utility bill or lease agreement. Grandparents will need to show legal proof of custody of grandchildren.
