Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay: Celebrating the Season of Giving, Florida Style

by Melanie Davis

Living in Florida brings a mix of sunshine, warmth, and a strong sense of community year-round, but there’s something especially meaningful about Thanksgiving season here in Tampa Bay. While much of the country bundles up for cold weather and snow, we gather under palm trees and golden skies and give thanks in a uniquely Florida way: through acts of service and community support.

In neighborhoods like Carrollwood, Clearwater, Lutz, Palm Harbor, and Riverview, Thanksgiving goes beyond turkey dinners. Families, professionals, and retirees all come together to volunteer, donate, and uplift others. If you’re new to the area or just looking for ways to give back, here are some wonderful organizations and events happening in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties this season.

Grace Family Church: Serving the Community Across Tampa Bay

Grace Family Church hosts regular Serve Saturday events at multiple campuses across Tampa Bay including Carrollwood, Clearwater, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, and South Tampa. This November, volunteers can sign up for community outreach opportunities starting Saturday, November 8.

Some of the church's programs include:

Food Pantry: Helping families in need with groceries and essentials.
New Life Warehouse: Providing household goods and furniture to individuals transitioning out of homelessness or crisis.
Serve Saturday: A chance for people of all ages to serve local nonprofits and neighborhoods with hands-on support.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay: Volunteer With Our Furry Friends

If you're an animal lover living in or near the Carrollwood or South Tampa area, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteers can help walk dogs, play with cats, and support adoption events year-round.

Special Thanksgiving Event:

The Power of Thanksgiving Giveaway Day: Held in the University Area, this event helps provide food and pet supplies to families in need and their four-legged companions.

Feeding Tampa Bay: Fighting Hunger Across Three Counties

Feeding Tampa Bay provides meals and groceries to residents in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties especially important during the holiday season. Their Thanksgiving food drive runs from November 6–26.

Food Drive Drop-Off Location: BayFirst Bank, 401 Indian Rocks Rd N, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
How to Help: Donate canned goods or volunteer to help sort and distribute food.

Every can, box, or bag makes a difference and brings our community one step closer to being hunger-free.

Pet Rescue by Judy: Rescue, Foster, and Adopt

Located in Lutz, Pet Rescue by Judy is a local nonprofit that rescues cats and dogs from high-kill shelters and unsafe conditions. Volunteers help with everything from fostering to event coordination.

With so many families in transition this time of year, animal rescues are especially grateful for fosters and adopters who can offer loving homes even temporarily.

Wounded Warrior Project & Veterans Help Group: Thanksgiving for Military Families

Military families in Hillsborough and Pinellas can enjoy special Thanksgiving-themed events aimed at showing appreciation and offering support:

Harvest for Heroes - Veterans and military families can pick up items for a full Thanksgiving dinner.

Date: November 20, 2025, 11 am - 2 pm
Location: 1401 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

Military Family Thanksgiving Feast (AUSA Suncoast Chapter) - This event honors military families with a delicious holiday meal and celebration.

Date: November 20, 2025, 6 pm - 8 pm

- Location: Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive

Metropolitan Ministries: Providing Food, Shelter, and Hope

Metropolitan Ministries is a lifeline for many in Hillsborough County, especially during the holidays. Based in Tampa, they provide shelter, meals, and other essential services to those experiencing homelessness.

Holiday Tent Program: A Tampa Bay tradition. The ministry expects to serve over 30,000 families in need this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How to Help: Donate food, volunteer at the tent, or sponsor a family.

Final Thoughts: Give Thanks, Give Back

Living in the Tampa-St. Petersburg Metropolitan Area means being part of a community that shows up for each other especially during the holidays. From volunteering in Lutz to donating in Dunedin, there are countless ways to spread kindness and support your neighbors.

If you're relocating to Florida or just settling into a new home, getting involved in your community is a beautiful way to connect. From Palm Harbor to Wesley Chapel, these neighborhoods thrive on generosity, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share your blessings.