Five ways to give back and get involved in your community

If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.

The Details

Volunteer at the Beach Art Center’s ‘Brushes on the Beach’

Beach Art Center, located in Indian Rocks Beach, is presenting “Brushes on the Beach,” a one-day plein-air art walk and celebration Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Artists will be spread across four beach towns, including Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach and Sand Key. Volunteers are needed to help out at all of the locations. Opportunities include welcoming visitors, collecting zip codes and other basic information and distributing Art Walk booklets.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with the Gallery Show and Sunset Celebration taking place at the Beach Art Center beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Center is located at 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach.

To pick your volunteer location and sign up,.

General information about the event can be found here.

Volunteer for Clam Bayou Nature Park Invasive Removal

The City of Gulfport, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, is hosting an invasive removal at Clam Bayou Nature Park Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Volunteers will assist with removing invasive vegetation, including Brazilian Pepper, Castor Bean and Carrotwood. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be signed in by a parent, and volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants are asked to wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, a hat and sunglasses are recommended.

All supplies, including gloves, loppers, sunscreen, bug spray and sanitizer will be provided, along with a water refill station.

Clam Bayou Nature Park is located at 29 th Avenue S. and Miriam Street S. in Gulfport. Free parking is available on-site.

Click to reserve your spot.

Pollinator Garden Workday at McGough Nature Park

George C. McGough Nature Park, a 26-acre park along the Intracoastal Waterway in Largo, is hosting a Pollinator Garden Workday, Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to help plant flowers and create a welcoming environment for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

All ages are welcome to volunteer.

George C. McGough Nature Park is located at 11901 146th Street N., Largo. Free parking is available.

Volunteer with the Marine Exploration Center

Register here. — St. Petersburg’s Marine Exploration Center partners with local businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations to educate Tampa Bay residents and students about marine habitats in the region.

Serving St. Petersburg for over 30 years, it provides aquarium consultation, design, installation and maintenance services to support education goals.

The organization is currently seeking volunteers to help with aquarium operations at RumFish Grill and Sports Bar on St. Pete Beach. Volunteers will help with daily and weekly food preparation, feeding the marine animals, cleaning the aquarium systems, and working education programs such as the on-site touch tank.

No experience is necessary and training is provided. Volunteers should feel comfortable interacting with the public.

RumFish Grill and Sports Bar is located at 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.

St. Anthony’s Discharge Volunteer

Learn more here. — St. Anthony’s Hospital is seeking volunteers to help when patients are discharged.

Volunteers help patients gather their belongings and then either take them to the hospitality center, or wheel them to the lobby and wait until their transportation arrives.

A commitment of one-hour shifts either on Mondays or Wednesdays are required. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and submit to a background check.

Those with smiling faces and a big heart are encouraged to apply.

St. Anthony’s Hospital is located at 1200 Seventh Avenue N., St. Petersburg.

More information can be found here.

By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.