Community Outreach Program in Tampa Sets a Lofty Goal of Donating 500 BACKpacks to the Homeless in Hillsborough County
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) March 19, 2016 -- Chad Haynie launched “Give BACK Tampa” last fall with a modest goal of giving 25 backpacks to the homeless in Hillsborough County; in the end, more than 200 were distributed. Now, with spring just around the corner, the Tampa businessman has targeted a more ambitious goal of 500 with the support by companies like MCA.com (myclassifiedads.net).
MCA-RJ a full-service ad agency in Tampa, is helping get the word out about “Give BACK Tampa” (#GiveBACKTampa). The B.A.C.K stands for “Blessing And Care Kit.”
“This spring we are out to collect and distribute 500 BACKpacks filled with items to help the homeless,” Haynie said. “We are currently accepting donations until May 17th at our official drop-off location, Ginger Beard Coffee & Pourhouse.”
The address is Grand Central at 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602. Topping Give BACK Tampa’s need-list are new and gently used backpacks.
Suggested items for inclusion in the donated packs are: bottled water, individually wrapped snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, ponchos, travel-size umbrellas, flashlights (with batteries), inexpensive sunglasses, socks (men’s and women’s), T-shirts, feminine hygiene products, travel-size first-aid kits, deodorant, hand-sanitizer, toothbrushes, as well as gift cards to area grocery stores, fast food restaurants and drug stores.
“As we move forward in 2016, Give BACK Tampa is continuing to develop as a community outreach program to not only provide BACKpacks to the homeless but also to help connect those individuals with the resources they need in our community,” Haynie said.
The 2016 campaign was kicked off in February with a Valentine’s Day-style luncheon made possible with help from Smallcakes Tampa, Eddie & Sams NY Pizza, The Transformation Place, Geoffrey's Cuisine by Design, and Lindsey Meyer of MeyerInspired.com.
Meyer is an on-location photographer who specializes in what she calls “unique photography and editing that create a one-of-a-kind image.” Categories include family portraits, weddings, events, glamour images, landscape, and corporate images.
Haynie summarizes the outreach effort this way: L.U.V. (#LUVforward):
LEARN how you can help the homeless.
UNDERSTAND the challenges they face.
VALUE them as human beings.
Haynie was born in Korea and later adopted into what he described as “a loving family” in Kansas, where he learned the value of helping others. He brought those life-lessons with him when he re-located to the Tampa Bay area. The 41-year-old businessman says he came up with the backpack idea after talking with homeless people about their needs.
For details about “Give BACK Tampa” and its outreach efforts, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/608822939220045.
For information about photographer Lindsey Meyer’s offerings, visit http://meyerinspired.com or call (785) 252-7165.
ABOUT: MCA.com (http://myclassifiedads.net) is a full-service advertising agency based in Tampa. As part of its corporate mission, along with Russell Johns Associates, MCA-RJ uses a portion of its resources on a regular basis to shine a spotlight on stories it believes will inspire others.
Kelsey Schepmann - Media Coordinator, My Classified Ads LLC, http://www.myclassifiedads.net, +1 (813) 551-0834, [email protected]
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