Tampa, FL – As many as 250,000 children in our area suffer from hunger, and the problem is even more critical in the summer months when they do not have access to meals at school. The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program, who acts as the voice for children who have been abused or neglected, is teaming up with Feeding Tampa Bay, 10 News WTSP, Publix, and other community partners to help combat this situation.
“Many of our children, as well as others in the community, do not have access to breakfast, lunch or even snacks when school is out,” says GAL 13th Circuit Director Tabitha Lambert. “By partnering with other child services organizations and concerned individuals, we can help fill this gap and assist Feeding Tampa Bay with the items they need to provide meals to needy families.” The GAL staff is working with state and county offices such as the Public Defenders and Attorney General, Eckerd Connects, and the Dept. of Children and Families, as well as private businesses including Ramey and Kampf and Fidelity National Title.
Those who would like to contribute can add dry cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, fruit cups, and other such items to collection bins at the before mentioned offices and many Publix stores. The collection will continue through May 13th, with a final push for collections at the 10News studio in St. Petersburg on Friday, May 11th. Donations at that time and location will be videotaped with anchors on hand to thank you for your contributions.
For more information on how to become a Guardian ad Litem volunteer or supporter, visit www.galtampa.org, call 813-272-5110.