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Counting On Others

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By MARK HOLAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

TAMPA HEIGHTS - At least 15,000 families are expected to register for the annual holiday food and toy distribution that begins Thursday at Metropolitan Ministries.

That's how many families last year passed through the familiar red and white distribution tent in the 2100 block of North Florida Avenue.

"We think it's going to be more," said Tim Marks, the agency's development director.

At 26,000 square feet, the tent is larger than ever, with room to sort and distribute donations, private areas for medical screening and counseling, a chapel, day care and a large stage.

"We have become known as a group that will help as many people in as many places as possible," said Morris Hintzman, the agency's president.

For now, the pantry shelves are nearly barren.

Hintzman said he has faith the Tampa Bay area community again will provide enough food and money to help needy families.

About 200 families a day are registering for the distribution. There are no income guidelines, but families must show proof of residency.

Katrina Schaefer, 33, signed up for the second year. The Plant City mother of three, ages 12, 9 and 3, said she is taking care of a sick husband and aging father on a limited income.

"It's hard to believe there's a place like this in this day and age," Schaefer said. "It's hard to believe there are still people willing to help."

For Stan Reynolds, the agency's 2006 Volunteer of the Year, helping others is its own reward.

Reynolds, 54, a Plant City businessman, said the experience has helped him count his blessings, and he was amazed by the diversity of the volunteer corps.

"It's everybody and their brother," he said. "It's an example of real, true community."

Upwards of 10,000 people donate their time at Metropolitan Ministries during November and December, agency officials said. More volunteers are always needed, especially at other times of the year.

Hintzman said the agency is particularly interested in working with young people to instill a lifelong sense of community commitment. Reynolds said his 14-year-old grandson was moved to tears by the experience.

Last December, the agency allowed adults to select two toys each for their children, rather than handing out gifts that might not be appropriate.

"This year we are going to ask families to build their own food box," Marks said, starting with the Thanksgiving distribution. Each family will select from fruits, vegetables and starches.

This is the 26th annual holiday food distribution. The program began with about 75 families and a handful of volunteers, Hintzman said.

This year's distribution will feed up to 60,000 people, and about 25,000 people will volunteer at the tent or donate supplies.

"When you see 85,000 people go through this tent it's a miracle, a pure miracle," Hintzman said. "I want to be where miracles happen."

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Metropolitan Ministries suggests the following items for a food distribution box: a gift certificate or turkey; a family size Jell-O or pudding; a loaf of bread; two cans of black beans; a box of hot or cold cereal; two cans of yams; a package of cookies or pastries; four cans of vegetables; a can of cranberry sauce; a box of dessert mix; a bag or box of dry beans; a bag or box of stuffing mix; a can of fruit; a bag of rice; a can or packet of gravy; a can or box of potatoes.

The agency suggests the following items for its holiday gift distribution: early learning toys, rattles, blocks, baby dolls, board games, arts and crafts, electronic games and toys, watches, jewelry, clothing, books, wallets and purses.

Food and monetary donations can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N. Florida Ave. Call (813) 209-1000 or visit www.metromin.org for information. Donations are accepted online.

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.

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