School Supply Drives

In two weeks, Pasco County children will be returning to the classroom.  Unfortunately, not all of them can afford the supplies they need to help them succeed in their studies.  Some area organizations are collecting school supplies for these students in need.  While you are doing your shopping, consider picking up a box of crayons, a pack of notebook paper, or even a backpack and donating it to one of these organizations.

CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center
12417 Clock Tower Pkwy
Hudson, FL
Collecting notebooks, paper, pencils, backpacks, other school supplies for Hudson Elementary and Middle Schools.  Cash donations gratefully accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at the center weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Call (727) 863-6868 for more information.

The Volunteer Way
7820 Congress St.
New Port Richey, FL
Collecting school supplies and backpacks for the 3rd Annual School Bash.  Cash donations gratefully accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at the center between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays.  Donations should be dropped off by August 13th.  Call (727) 815-0433 for more information.

Joining Hands Community Mission
3214 U.S. 19
Holiday, FL
Collecting back to school supplies for families in need.  Donations may be dropped off at the Resource Center Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon or Friday from 10 a.m. until noon.  Call (727) 937-3268 for more information.

Salvation Army Community Center
7745 Ridge Rd.
Port Richey, FL
Collecting back to school supplies for families in need.  Donations needed include backpacks, highlighters, scissors, plastic zip bags, notebooks, index cards, pocket folders, binders, lined filler paper, #2 pencils, colored pens, pencils & markers, graph paper, nonscientific calculators, baby wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer.  Donations may be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Community Center on Ridge Road or at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, 8040 Washington St., Port Richey.  Donations are needed on or before August 9.

Holiday Help

If you are in need of assistance this holiday season, there are several community organizations you can contact for help.  Below are a few of the community organizations offering holiday help this year:

Boxes of Joy
Joining Hands Community Mission
3214 US Highway 19
Holiday, FL 34690
(727) 937-3268 - Ask for Nancy
Provides toys for children and needed personal items for adults.  Proof of West Pasco residency and meet poverty guidelines for eligibility.

Toys for Tots
Countywide
Christmas programs provided through the Marine Corps with DCF clients.  Eligible candidates must be current clients with the Department of Children & Families and submit an application to the DCF office.

Christmas Assistance
Salvation Army of West Pasco
8040 Washington St.
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 847-6321
Anyone in need of services who meets income guidelines.  Call for more information.

Joining Hands Community Mission

A wonderful new resource has opened on US 19 for those in need in Pasco County. Joining Hands Community Mission, Inc. is now open and operating at the site formerly known as Community United Methodist Church, 3214 U.S. Highway 19 in Holiday.

Joining Hands is a faith-based social service agency supported by Metropolitan Ministries and Gulf Central District UMC. Its resource center offers evaluation and emergency assistance to people in financial distress. Emergency food provisions and clothing are available, as is assistance in locating shelter, if necessary. Joining Hands is also an ACCESS Florida Community Partner, offering assistance in applying for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance.

In the future, Joining Hands is planning to offer transitional housing.

For more information or to help, call the mission at (727) 937-3268.