Times are lively on the campus of the church at the edge of the world. Dan Campbell, a recovering businessman who shepherds Community United Methodist's modest flock, likes it this way. But the time is short and the task enormous. ...more

December 10, 2008

This year for the first time, Metropolitan Ministries has established Plant City collection sites to receive holiday donations to help the needy. ...more

December 10, 2008

A few days before Thanksgiving, I worked the crack-of-dawn, 40-degree morning shift at Metropolitan Ministries with a school service club. ...more

December 7, 2008

Andrea Munro knew Tamara Geltmaker was taken from this world too soon. Although she never smoked, Geltmaker died from lung cancer in August at age 54. ...more

December 4, 2008

With the economy slumping and Christmas right around the corner, many people might be upset, but not Jeff Olsen of Wesley Chapel. He sees this as an opportunity for people to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. ...more

December 4, 2008

Firefighters and social workers scrambled today to relocate the last occupants of a hotel where the electricity was turned off because of an unpaid bill of $45,000. The power at the JMS Hotel, 4601 34th St. S., was turned off a week ago today, said Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman for St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue. ...more

December 3, 2008

A Tampa baby's near-death experience after his mother tried to make ends meet by diluting his formula too much is gaining national attention. ...more

December 3, 2008

For co-workers Kelly Popowski and Israel Martinez, who volunteered to deliver Thanksgiving food donations, Metropolitan Ministries' New Tampa Holiday Donation Center was a godsend. ...more

December 3, 2008

With the economy slumping and Christmas right around the corner, many people might be upset, but not Jeff Olsen of Wesley Chapel. He sees this as an opportunity for people to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. ...more

December 3, 2008

The holidays are the traditional time of giving to charities for most families. Unfortunately, with layoffs, price increases and ever tightening wallets, many of those who once gave now find themselves in need of some assistance. From local toy drives to food banks and beyond, the message has been sent and it's clear - the need this year is greater than it's been in an extremely long time. ...more

December 3, 2008