The Brief
- Metropolitan Ministries is serving 1,000 hot meals on Christmas Day across Tampa Bay.
- Staff and volunteers started work before sunrise at the Tampa campus.
- The nonprofit says demand surged this holiday season as donations dropped.
TAMPA – Christmas Day got underway early at Metropolitan Ministries. Before sunrise, staff and volunteers filled the kitchen at the nonprofit’s Tampa campus, preparing 1,000 hot Christmas meals for people experiencing homelessness. Those meals will be served throughout the day at community locations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
On campus, families staying at Metropolitan Ministries are also celebrating Christmas morning. Children are opening gifts near decorated trees, while parents and staff gather inside the Welcome Center and courtyard for holiday activities, games, and treats.
For many families, this campus is home today.…