Metropolitan Ministries to begin accepting 2023 holiday season assistance applications

TAMPA, Fla. - Preparations are officially underway at Metropolitan Ministries for the 2023 holiday season. 

Families and individuals in need of assistance are encouraged to register starting on Monday, October 2.

President & CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, Tim Marks, told FOX 13 that this year, they've helped more vulnerable families and seniors in the Bay Area who are facing homelessness, sleeping in their cars, or choosing to skip meals and medical care to pay rent. 

The annual Metropolitan Ministries holiday tents exist to help vulnerable families, and the organization expects to serve 30,000 families this holiday season.

READ: Metropolitan Ministries sees demand for resources as people deal with summer heat

Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday assistance program started in a single room, while today the main holiday tent hub in West Tampa is the size of a football field. 

Volunteers alongside dozens of turkeys at Metropolitan Ministries. 

This year, there will be two ‘main’ tents on Rome Ave. in Tampa and in West Pasco County at Generations Christian Church in Trinity. 

Ten additional pop-up tents will serve families in high-need neighborhoods throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.

How can families who need help receive assistance?

Holiday assistance registration is available starting Monday, October 2 through an online form and in-person during designated hours.

Click here for details and requirements. 

How can the community get involved?

• Sign up to conduct a food or toy donation collection drive with your business, employees, congregation, school, club, or civic group.
• Volunteer at one of the many locations nearest you—as an individual, family, or group. Slots fill quickly, so sign up now.
• Make a monetary donation now to help us stock the shelves (these gifts will be matched by a generous donor and double your impact).
• Starting Nov 1, donate food and toys/gift cards. Most needed items: frozen turkeys and hams, canned yams, stuffing, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, cereal, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, dessert mixes, gift cards, toys/gifts for children ages 4-17.