Make TBO Your Home Page| Subscribe To The Paper| Advertise With Us| Contact Us| Login| Edit Profile| Register
Suncoast Pasco News
Email
Print
A seed of need for teens is planted
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: December 13, 2008
TRINITY - Everyone is aware of the Salvation Army's "Toys for Tots" campaign, which supplies toys to younger children each year, but what about teenagers?
Nancy Doughtery, ministry assistant at Community United Methodist Church in Holiday recently visited the Rotary Club of Seven Springs and gave the membership statistics regarding the impoverished and homeless in Pasco County.
Doughtery also serves as Pasco County liaison for Metropolitan Ministries, a Tampa-based charitable organization that serves the poor and homeless men, women and children of the Tampa Bay region.
"During this past year there has been an increase of impoverished families by 20 percent, from 500 in 2007 to 600 in 2008," Doughtery stated. She added of the 4,074 of the homeless in Pasco County, 35 percent - about 1,425 - are 18 years old or younger.
Further statistics state that during 2008 there has been a 47 percent increase in food stamp applications in Pasco County, and that more than 30,000 pounds of food is needed to assist "Join Hands Holiday Center," a tent on the grounds of Community United Methodist Church, 3214 U.S. 19, Holiday, where homeless and impoverished families throughout the area can go to receive food and gifts.
"I couldn't get the presentation that the ministries gave out of my head," Rotary member Pam Marron said. "I am mother of two 15-year-olds."
Armed with these statistics, Marron developed "Toys for Teens," where toys and gifts for all ages are collected.
Marron has enlisted several businesses to be collection points. Individuals wishing to donate items can visit The Town Ground Espresso Cafe, 3104 Town Ave., Longleaf; Chick-fil-A, 3246 Little Road, Trinity; and HoneyBaked Ham, 8637 U.S. 19, Port Richey. The deadline to drop off items at these locations is Monday, Dec. 22.
Items requested include all sports equipment, skateboards, cameras with film, CD/DVD players with headphones, gift sets including cologne and makeup, gift cards and pre-paid cell phones.
For more information how you can help "Join Hands Holiday Center," contact Nancy Dougherty at 727-937-3268.
Scott E. Smith can be reached at 727-815-1063 or ssmith@suncoastnews.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2009 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
