The holiday season is a time of giving, and at ReEmployAbility, we are proud to lend our support to the incredible nonprofits that make the holidays brighter for those in need. This past December, our team came together to volunteer with three remarkable organizations—Metropolitan Ministries, Trinity Cafe, and Helping Hands—each playing a vital role in spreading hope and joy during the Christmas rush.
From assisting families in selecting the perfect gifts at Metropolitan Ministries’ Holiday Tent to serving warm, nutritious meals at Trinity Cafe and organizing essential donations with Helping Hands, our employees embraced the true spirit of the season. These experiences not only allowed us to give back but also deepened our connection to the communities we serve.
We’re excited to share stories from these volunteer efforts and highlight the incredible work these nonprofits do to uplift individuals and families during the holidays. Together, we’ve witnessed how acts of kindness can make the season truly magical.
Metropolitan Ministries: Spreading Holiday Cheer One Toy at a Time
Recently, for the holiday season, a group of team members from ReEmployAbility had the privilege of volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa Bay, working in the Holiday Tent to spread a little holiday magic. The team—Itzel Quetz, Angela Fulgieri, Gabby Rago, Tiara Rowland, and Lindsey Silvernail—spent three meaningful hours assisting families in need. While Itzel kindly lent her translation skills to the food distribution area, the rest of the group focused on the toy section, ensuring shelves were stocked and ready to bring smiles to children and parents alike.
“Volunteering in the holiday tent was the first experience I ever had volunteering when I was a child. I can remember helping folks by handing them canned goods for their holiday meals and my grandparents volunteered there every year for 15 years during the holidays until they were no longer physically able to. To say that this organization is near and dear to my heart is an understatement,” Rachel recalled from her experiences at the nonprofit.
Families, accompanied by personal shoppers, were given the opportunity to browse aisles and select gifts themselves—an empowering change that brought dignity and joy to the process. From behind the scenes, our team restocked shelves and witnessed countless moments of happiness, like when a parent found the perfect toy for their child. Lindsey shared a heartwarming story about helping a young mother struggling to find a gift for her 8-year-old son, ultimately surprising her with the perfect Nerf gun. Similarly, a mother overwhelmed by choices for her 3-year-old son beamed with joy when she discovered a delightful xylophone shaped like a chicken.
The experience was a poignant reminder of the power of community and compassion. Metropolitan Ministries continues to shine as a beacon of support for those in need, and we’re grateful to have played a small part in their incredible outreach. After our shift, sharing a meal as a team allowed us to reflect on the stories and smiles that made this day unforgettable.
If you’d like to learn more about Metropolitan Ministries
and their mission visit metromin.org
Helping Hands: Organizing Support for Families in Need
In another occasion, a new group of dedicated ReEmployAbility Volunteers worked tirelessly to transform the space at Helping Hands into a festive and welcoming environment for families in need. From setting up tables and chairs for the crowd to cleaning and decorating with holiday cheer, every effort was made to ensure the nonprofit’s annual Christmas Program event would be a success.
By the time the preparations were complete, the organization’s owner Cathy, was ready to welcome families and spread Christmas magic.
Marketing Coordinator, Miryana Johnson, stated,
“Witnessing the collective effort and passion of our team reminded me of the true meaning of the season—coming together to make a difference in the lives of others. Helping Hands’ Christmas Program is a testament to the power of community, and we are honored to have played a small role in making it memorable for the families they serve.”
Trinity Cafe: Serving Warm Meals and Warmer Smiles
Volunteering at Trinity Cafe was a meaningful experience for the team from ReEmployAbility. As a division of Feeding Tampa Bay, Trinity Cafe offers a unique service—a free, full-service restaurant dining experience for individuals in need of a nutritious meal. On the day our team volunteered, the nonprofit was able to serve nearly 200 guests a three-course meal in a welcoming and dignified environment.
The volunteers took on various roles to ensure the event ran smoothly. COO Becka Dearth served as a “Table Captain,” a position that involved welcoming guests, assisting with table settings, and engaging with diners while supporting the serving staff. Others prepared plates of hot food in the kitchen, delivered meals to tables, and bussed dishes throughout the dining room. The entire Senior Leadership team participated, and some even brought family members to join in the effort, making it a true community-driven experience.
Becka described her experience, stating,
“Being a Table Captain is a unique opportunity to interact with the guests. You never know who is going to be seated next to you or what that person is going through. I met a wide range of people at my table. Many are at a difficult point in their lives and experiencing profound challenges. So, you experience a range of responses and it’s important to try to engage with each person and also respect their preferences. If they don’t feel like having a conversation, that’s perfectly ok. I found it to be a rewarding experience not just to be able to help with a meal, but also to connect with as many of the guests at my table as I could and provide a little positivity for their day, lend an ear to listen, and even connect them to resources if that was something they needed.”
The impact was evident in every interaction, as guests were not only served a hot meal but also treated with respect and kindness. For some, it was an opportunity to share their stories or seek connection; for others, it was a quiet moment of comfort in a challenging time. Through their combined efforts, the team helped Trinity Cafe achieve its goal of delivering a nourishing and dignified dining experience to everyone who walked through the door, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
If you’d like to learn more about Trinity Cafe
and their mission visit feedingtampabay.org
Read More About ReEmployAbility’s Volunteer Efforts:
Empowering Change: ReEmployAbility Supports The Spring of Tampa Bay
How One Volunteer’s Small Act of Kindness Sparked Big Smiles at Mulberry Community Center
Celebrating Community Impact: ReEmployAbility Volunteers at Meals on Wheels and A Kid’s Place