Tampa charity loses $50,000 in supplies just before holiday push
Metropolitan Ministries begins its annual tent program with fewer resources than last year as local costs rise.
By Tomas Rahman ·
A stolen shipment of supplies left a Tampa Bay charity short of goods for its winter outreach.
Last month, thieves took $50,000 worth of inventory meant for the group's Holiday Tents campaign. The organization now aims to serve 30,000 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a number that matches last year's reach. The program provides essentials like food for holiday meals and gifts for children.
Sarah Combs, the president and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, said the rising cost of living has squeezed donors who previously gave more during the holidays. "It’s difficult when you have the cost of living that we have right now," Combs told WMNF. "Those that used to be able to give a little bit extra during the holidays just aren’t able to do it right now."
The charity launched its recovery effort on Monday, opening donation drop-off sites that will remain active through the holiday season. Four tents will operate across the region, with two locations in Pasco County, one in Pinellas, and one in Hillsborough.
The group requests cash, in-kind donations, and additional volunteers to fill the gap left by the theft. A virtual store on the organization's website allows donors to fill digital carts with items for families in need.
Combs said the material aid provides more than just supplies. "It’s a sense of relief, but I also think it does more than just relief," she said. "It gives them hope in knowing that the community cares about them."
