United Food Bank of Plant City reports collection total from Hope Lutheran holiday food drive
Thanks in part to Hope Lutheran Church, many Plant City families in need were able to put food on the table during the holiday season.
The church announced Tuesday that the United Food Bank of Plant City calculated a total of 925 pounds of donated food items received during the church’s annual Season of Advent event, a drive sponsored by Hope’s Missions and Outreach Ministry team that ran from Nov. 29, 2020 through Christmas. Members of Hope’s congregation received sacks, grocery lists of non-perishable items needed by the food bank and Advent devotionals to use throughout the season. Members were asked to fill the sacks and return them to the church by Christmas. Then the sacks are given to the food bank for distribution to the Plant City community.
“Hope’s members look forward to opportunities to serve our community in this way,” Rev. Dean Pfeffer said in a press release. “We know there are many people in our community, especially during this pandemic, living with food insecurities and anything we at Hope can do to fill an empty bowl is truly the living out of our faith in a very simple and practical way.”
Application window for CareerSource Summer Job Connection open
Local youths can get a head start on finding a summer job now that the application window for CareerSource Tampa Bay’s Summer Job Connection 2021 has opened.
Hillsborough County youths age 16-24 can apply from now through March 12 to participate in the third annual event, which “will expand its opportunities to 1,000 youth through part-time paid work-experience, virtual career exploration and our new youth leadership academy for youth that meet eligibility requirements.” Opportunities available include a six-week internship that pays $12 per hour for 24 total hours per week, a four-week online career exploration program and a six-week Youth Leadership Academy program. Those who complete the module will have a chance to earn $1,000 to $1,500. There will also be a mandatory one-day Youth Summit in June that will be offered both in-person and virtually.
CareerSource Tampa Bay said in a press release up to 1,000 youths will be hired this summer to help 200 local businesses in fields like manufacturing and construction, hospitality and tourism, transportation, logistics, retail, financial shared services, healthcare and information technology.
The full program runs from June 14 to July 23. To apply or get more information, visit either CareerSourceTB.com/summer-job-connection/ or TampaSummerJobs.com. There will be a Youth Information Session Zoom meeting at 4 p.m. Friday (register online at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qrsxu95ab&oeidk=a07ehhtnfpmf31f754e) and a Business Coffee Talk Zoom meeting at 9 a.m. Jan. 13 (register online at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qrsxu95ab&oeidk=a07ehhtp0us2a98c114).
Hope Lutheran bringing back GriefShare classes
Hope Lutheran Church announced Tuesday its 13-week GriefShare sessions are returning starting Jan. 19.
The church, 2001 N. Park Road, hosts this seminar and support group for those grieving after the death of their loved ones. GriefShare is broken up into identical weekly morning (10:30 a.m.) and evening (6:30 p.m.) sessions and includes a video seminar and group discussions. Both daily sessions are held every Tuesday.
“This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time,” Hope Lutheran Church Senior Pastor Rev. Dean Pfeffer Sr. said. “During the small group discussion time, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, simply silently observe the class, learn about others’ experiences and share your own. Participants will find that there is healing from grief and your mourning can become joy again. Hope’s GriefShare leaders are ready and standing by to help lead you from mourning to joy. Don’t delay your journey any longer, get started on that journey today.”
GriefShare has been adapted to better fit within COVID-19 safety recommendations, so masks and social distancing will be mandatory for all participants. To register and get more information, call 813-752-4622.