Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

St. Petersburg Celebrates Senior Volunteers and Community Support

Seniors receiving recognition for their contributions to the St. Petersburg community.

News Summary

St. Petersburg’s Parks & Recreation Department is calling for nominations for the Senior Hall of Fame, honoring senior volunteers who make a difference. Nominations are open until March 7. Additionally, local businesses show community spirit by raising funds for hurricane relief and preparing seniors for the next hurricane season. Notable contributions include $2,330 from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and $40,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation. The community is also encouraging youth empowerment through job programs and board appointments.

St. Petersburg Community Initiatives: Honoring Seniors and Helping Neighbors

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as the local Parks & Recreation Department’s Office on Aging reaches out for nominations to the esteemed Senior Hall of Fame. This initiative is all about giving a big shout-out to our senior volunteers, who selflessly contribute their time and talents to make the community a better place.

If you know a senior citizen aged 62 or older who has made a difference through their volunteer efforts, now’s the time to pay tribute to them! Nominations are open until Friday, March 7, so don’t miss out! To submit your nomination, simply visit www.stpeteparksrec.org/SeniorAwards. The lucky inductees will be honored with a certificate, public praise, and will have their moment in the spotlight at a City Council meeting.

Mark your calendars for the induction ceremony on April 16 at 5 p.m. at the beautiful Mahaffey Theater! This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate those who bring joy and assistance to others.

Making Waves for Hurricane Relief

$2,330 to two local nonprofits that were hit hard by recent hurricanes. This money was raised through a special fundraising event held on November 21 and by selling those delicious hurricane-themed cocktails through the end of December. Talk about community spirit!

Half of the funds are going to support SPCA Tampa Bay, which runs an open-admission animal shelter caring for nearly 8,000 animals annually. The other half is being donated to Reach St. Pete, a nonprofit that provides essential resources to individuals grappling with financial hardships and homelessness in our vibrant community. Together, these organizations are doing a tremendous job helping our furry friends and vulnerable neighbors.

Preparation for the Next Hurricane Season

The community is also gearing up for the next hurricane season, thanks to a fabulous donation of $40,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation. This generous contribution will go toward providing severe weather kits for older adults through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas. These kits are designed to assist around 1,000 seniors in preparing for the upcoming storms.

Each kit includes essential items such as flashlights, first-aid supplies, and hygiene products. And to make sure everything is ready to roll, Duke Energy employees have rolled up their sleeves to help assemble these important kits for distribution across Pinellas and Pasco counties. It’s all about looking out for one another!

Youth Programs and Board Appointments

On another note, Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan has been appointed a new board member of Girls Inc. of Pinellas, bringing her expertise and passion to help empower young women in the area. Furthermore, the summer jobs program run by CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is now open for applications, providing paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24. Participants can earn $15 per hour for up to 20 hours a week across six weeks. If you know any young folks in need of a summer gig, send them to this link to apply.

Additionally, there are several positions available on the Suncoast Health Council, with applications being accepted until March 14. The Pinellas Opportunity Council Inc. is also seeking applicants for one public sector appointment, with a deadline that matches the health council’s. This initiative focuses on combating poverty and offering various services to residents in Pinellas County.

St. Petersburg is certainly leading the way in community involvement and support, so let’s keep the momentum going and make a positive impact together!