TAMPA, Fla. — Budgets are tighter than ever and the need across Tampa Bay is even bigger.
Local nonprofits reported the number of donors this year is down. Metropolitan Ministries said their organization has seen a decrease in donations by 31 percent.
"As we’ve been saying, the need this year has been unprecedented," Director of Marketing and Communications for Metropolitan Ministries Brensey Thompson said.
Metropolitan Ministries is serving 33,000 families this holiday season. That's more than originally budgeted for.
Organizations like Metropolitan Ministries are grateful for volunteers. Inside the holiday tent at Metropolitan Ministries, volunteers describe it as a labor of love.
"We’re blessed and fortunate so I feel like it’s important to give back on that regard," one volunteer lead, Amy Hull, explained.
Hull first got into volunteering after bringing her daughter to donate a turkey every Thanksgiving. Now a decade later, she sees firsthand how donations aren’t coming in like they used to. A big challenge so many non-profits are dealing with is the lack of donations.
"Our demand is still very high because the economy is down," Hull said.
That's why organizations like the Salvation Army, Feeding Tampa Bay, United Way, Meals on Wheels and Metropolitan Ministries are asking for volunteers. If you can't volunteer, giving even just a can of vegetables is helpful.
"Unfortunately, hunger and homelessness will not go away, but if we as a community can come together to elevate the pain and suffering, that’s impactful," Hull stated.
Metropolitan Ministries said they need donations for Christmas. People can donate online.