WHO: University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation), AdventHealth Tampa, Grace Family Church, Feeding Tampa Bay
WHAT: Uptown/University Area residents given free beds, mattress covers, sheets and food
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, at 10 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33613
DETAILS: Nearly 50 families living in the Uptown/University Area will receive free beds, mattress covers, sheets and food, due to the joint efforts of University Area CDC, AdventHealth Tampa, Feeding Tampa Bay and Grace Family Church.
Recipients will be given the items by University Area CDC staff and volunteers from Grace Family Church – following social distancing and safety guidelines – as they drive through a designated line.
The 48 bed frames, mattresses and mattress covers were donated by AdventHealth Tampa to University Area CDC, which is purchasing new sheets to go with the new beds. Additionally, Feeding Tampa Bay is donating food to be distributed to the residents simultaneously.
“All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads, and having a bed of their own can make a big difference in their overall health and happiness,” said Sarah Combs, University Area CDC executive director. “We called this event ‘Community Cares’ to remind our residents that there is a community of people out here who care about them and their well-being. When partners come together and show acts of kindness in a neighborhood like ours where the need is so great, it can truly impact the lives of many. Today it may be a bed and a box of food to help get them through the week, but tomorrow, who knows? Amazing things happen through the power of partnership.”
AdventHealth purchased the beds in anticipation of utilizing them for patients ill with COVID-19. Thankfully, the hospital hasn’t needed the beds and was able to donate them to University Area CDC to distribute to families in need.
University Area CDC selected residents to receive the beds, sheets and food who met select criteria. Preference went to families in need with children under the age of 18 and who are enrolled in University Area CDC programs.
Serving the community for more than 20 years, University Area CDC provides support for thousands of Tampa residents through holistic programming, adult education and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of at-risk neighborhoods in the Uptown/University area, surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. More information about University Area CDC, a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership, is available by calling 813.558.5212 and by visiting www.uacdc.org.
AdventHealth is committed to caring for the whole person while they’re in the hospital and when they’re at home. AdventHealth’s mission is Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ and giving back to communities in time of need. This is just one way the hospital system shares its mission. X