The Coronavirus Pandemic has provided an opportunity none of us knew we needed. An opportunity to bring communities together to help solve a global crisis. There were lives lost, lessons learned, and new gardens grown. But, in the midst of all this was love. Love for one another, and for our community. Hope for Tampa was created because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, but it will remain because of love.
As things continue to evolve, so do we. Hope for Tampa has provided more than 12 thousand masks and counting. However, as medical facilities have begun to acquire their needed supplies, Hope for Tampa has decided to amp ups it’s philanthropic endeavors. Partnering with other nonprofit organizations throughout the Tampa area, our organization will continue to assist those in need.
Masks’ requests are still coming in and being fulfilled for medical workers and first responders, but production has slowed. Florida has begun to reopen its businesses in hopes of reigniting the economy. The new normal isn’t easy for everyone to adjust to. People have lost their jobs and will face a new struggle, financial instability.
BabyCycle is an organization that provides basic essentials for babies who come from families in need. Distributing hundreds of thousands of diapers in 2019, Babycycle understands how great the need for baby items like diapers, wipes, and other baby items can be. The need has become even greater during the pandemic. With families losing income and needing to compensate by sacrificing baby products to buy food or pay bills, Babycyle is there; to help fill in the gaps for those in need. BabyCycle teamed up early on with Hope for Tampa helping with networking, infrastructure, and the delivery of masks.
Animal Rescue Krewe (Ark) of Tampa has been busier than ever during the pandemic. Their mission is to keep animals from being euthanized. Ark connects animals with foster families and forever homes. Since the pandemic began The organization teamed up with Hope for Tampa during the Covid-19 Crisis and provided administrative assistance and donated materials to make medical masks. Ark will continue its partnership with Hope for Tampa in the future. Using excess mask-making materials (fabric donated that was not the right blend for breathing) to construct bedding for homeless animals. If you’d like to help, visit the Ark of Tampa website.
Hope for Tampa will be teaming up with the Bautista Project Inc for its Belonging Blanket Mission. Belonging Blanket is a program created by the Bautista Project Inc to help local youth. The program provides blankets and pillows to children living in foster care, group homes, or other living arrangements outside of their natural homes. The blankets are made from authentic military uniforms and come with a pillow made from the same material. Each blanket was worn by a military service member. A hero who aspired to do the right thing by their country. We want young adolescents to be inspired and motivated to want to become something great. This year, Hope for Tampa will help sew blankets and pillows for Tampa’s homeless youth population. We are currently collecting old Military Uniforms. If you have some to donate drop them off at 904 Homewood Dr. / Brandon, FL.
Hope for Tampa will continue its commitment to helping the local community thrive. Teaming up with organizations like BabyCycle, Bautista Project Inc, and Ark of Tampa; will spread the message of love and continued hope.