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Holiday Volunteer Opportunities with the Salvation Army in St. Petersburg

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The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s this time of year that we our team and our families like to take some time out to reflect on how thankful we our for our health, family, friends, and the comforts of a home. Others in our area aren’t as fortunate as we are though.

The Salvation Army St.Petersburg/Pinellas County is gearing up to help support those less fortunate in our area have a happy holiday season. They have multiple holiday volunteer opportunities. As in years past their volunteers will be collecting food, clothing, toys, and monetary donations. In addition to actual donations, the Salvation Army will also need additional volunteers to help sort the items receive and prepare them for recipients.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities with Salvation Army in St Petersburg

The season kicks off November 13 with red kettles setting up out front of local stores and other high traffic areas. Donated trucks, drivers, and volunteers to load and unload trucks will be needed to assist with the Pinellas County School District Food truck from November 16 through November 20 and November 30 through December 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Eve Dinner are two of the biggest holiday events organized by the Salvation Army for those less fortunate. Volunteers are needed to help prepare, set-up, serve, and clean-up for each event. The meals are served throughout the day on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

These are just a few of the volunteer options sponsored by the Salvation Army. We hope you take the time out of your holiday season to give back to others by helping members of our community.

Click here for more information related to The Salvation Army’s need for holiday season volunteers in the St. Petersburg area.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s 2015 in Tampa Bay

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As 2014 comes to a close, the Tampa Bay region has plenty of activities and events to usher in 2015.  Whatever your style, there’s a way to celebrate the new year for everyone.

“First Night St. Petersburg” Family friendly event including music, light show, and firework shows (8 p.m. and midnight). Tickets range from $10-$15. Straub Park beginning at 4 p.m December 31. For more information call (727) 823-8906.

“Noon Year’s Eve” A countdown to noon including games, entertainment, and a juice toast.  Tickets range from $19.95 to $24.95.  Lowry Park Zoo beginning at 9:30 a.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.lowryparkzoo.com

New Year's in Tampa Bay

“Aqua-Eve” A 21 and over party with food, beer, and wine and a view of the Channelside fireworks at midnight.  Tickets are $110. Florida Aquarium beginning at 9:00 p.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.flaquarium.com

“Channelside Lights Up the Bay” The annual event includes live music and DJs, a ball drop, and fireworks at midnight.  Admission is free.  Channelside Bay Plaza beginning at 8:00 p.m. December 31.  For more information visit www.channelsidebayplaza.com

“Outback Bowl and Parade”  Marching bands, cheerleaders, and fans of Wisconsin and Auburn universities team up for a parade before the big game on Thursday.  Parade marches down Ybor City’s Seventh Avenue beginning at 5:30 p.m. December 31.  The Outback Bowl begins at 12:00 p.m. January 1 at Raymond James Stadium.  Tickets range from $80-$170.  For more information visit www.outbackbowl.com

9 Holiday Celebrations in the Tampa Bay Area

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If you’re looking for something to do during the holidays, the Tampa Bay area is full of excitement and festivities.  From ballet to ice skating, there’s a holiday celebration for everyone.

“17th Annual Salute to Vienna” a concert performed by the Strauss Symphony of American. Concert runs from December 31st through January 3rd at Ruth Decker Hall.  Ticket prices range from $35-$100.  More info: www.rutheckerdhall.com

“A Christmas Carole” by Charles Dickens.  Starring David Mann as Ebeneezer Scrooge.  Show runs from now until December 24th at the freeFallTheatre.  Ticket prices range from $23 – $46.  More info: freefalltheatre.com

A Christmas Carole

“Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer – The Musical” based on the beloved children’s TV Christmas special.  Show runs from now through December 24 at the The Lakeland Center.  Ticket prices range from $27.50 – 57.50.  More info: thelakelandcenter.com

“Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker” the story of one girl’s Christmas dreams.  Ballet is performed multiple times December 28th at the Mahaffey.  Ticket prices range from $32 – $97.  More info: www.themahaffey.com

“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” an exhibit showcasing the connection between the “Peanuts” characters and the holiday season.  Exhibit runs from now through January 11th at the Tampa Bay History Center.  Ticket prices range from $7.95 – $12.95.  More info: www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice the seasonal ice rink is now open.  Tickets are $10 per person for a 90 minute skating session and includes skate rentals.  More info: www.tampasdowntownonice.com

Holiday Lights in the Gardens the Florida Botanical Gardens decorate their grounds with more than 750,000 lights. Exhibit runs from now through December 31st.  Ticket prices are $4.  More info: www.flbg.org

Nights of Shimmering Lights a two mile drive through display. Display opens daily at dusk from now through December 30th at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.  Ticket prices range from $15 – $20 per car.  More info: www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com

Ice Palace at International Plaza The Plaza is transformed into an ice palace featuring a light show and scenes from Disney’s “Frozen”.  Exhibit runs from now through December 24.  Admission is free.

The Top 5 Holiday Home Dangers

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Last week, we talked about keeping your family and home safe from intruders during the holidays.  This week we’re focusing on keeping your family and home safe when you’re inside.  The holidays steal our attention, take us away from our normal routines, and fill our homes with guests.  All of this invites the chance for accidents or other home dangers.  We have the top five things you should be mindful of this holiday season to keep your family and your home safe.

  1. Decorations.  The tree’s been trimmed and the lights outside could rival the Griswolds.  Nothing can ruin the festive spirit faster than a tree toppling over onto a guest or an overloaded electrical outlet sparking, tripping the circuit, or actually starting a fire.  Make sure your tree is secure in its stand and if you have children you should anchor the tree to the wall.  Lights are beautiful but make sure you plug in only the appropriate number.  You also want to make sure your lights are in good condition and you don’t use any strands that are frayed or with bulbs that are broken.  Any lights you do use should be UL certified.Top Five Holiday Home Hazards
  2. Fireplaces.  A crackling fire is a quintessential holiday scene.  Whether you have a gas or a wood burning fireplace, make sure you keep the area clear of debris and children away from it.  If you have a wood burning fireplace, make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected annually.  Do not burn anything but wood in your fireplace.  It can seem like a quick clean up but throwing wrapping paper or other trash into a fire can cause a flareup and let off chemicals that you’d rather not be breathing in.
  3. Kitchens.  You’re bound to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen baking sweet treats and cooking holiday meals.  Make sure your appliances are in good working order and never leave a pot cooking on the stove top unattended.  Keep an ABC rated fire extinguisher within easy reach in your kitchen; these extinguisher will be able to smother any type of fire you’d find in a home.
  4. Poisoning.  Poisoning is one of the top reasons people are seen in the ER during the holiday times.  Seasonal flowers such as poinsettias can pose a risk to children and animals; make sure the plants are out of reach and the fallen leaves are throw out immediately or use faux flowers.  Alcohol poisoning is another concern when holiday cheer comes in the form of a drink.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests keep their imbibing in check and be mindful to keep alcoholic drinks away from curious children.
  5. Walkways.  With all the extra decorations and gifts, you want to make sure you keep interior open areas free of debris, cords, and spills.  Check your outside walkways to ensure your guests have a safe path to and from their cars.  If the weather is cold enough to form ice, sprinkle salt on your walkways.

You’ll see that common sense and a bit of forethought will keep your home safe and inviting for your family and guests this holiday season.

Home Security During the Holiday Season

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The holidays are upon us!  For many of us that means, we’ll be in and out of our homes rushing to stores for gifts and then out to parties and gatherings for what feels like the entire month of December.  Some people will even be away from their homes for visits with far away relatives and friends.  And while you’re enjoying your time away from home, burglars are in their busy season.  In fact, as of 2012, the FBI reported that 400,000 burglaries take place between the months of November and December.  Between the draw of newly gifted electronics and jewelry and the higher likelihood that home owners won’t be home, burglars are ready to reap the rewards.  Whatever your plans for the holiday season are, keep home security at the top of your priority list.

Home Security During the Holidays

  1. Lights.  Keeping your home lit at night is a great deterrent for thieves.  Not many are willing to take a chance that you many not be home even if the lights are on.  Automatic timers are an inexpensive and reliable way to make sure your lights are turned on even if you’re not there.  Make sure your outside lights over doorways and garages are also on.  If you live in a secluded area or have a large property you may want to consider motion detecting lights.
  2. Lock Up.  It seems like a very obvious suggestion and it is but many people may forget to lock the backdoor or garage if they’re in a hurry to get out the door.  It’s also a good practice to look the door once you’ve entered your home.  Make sure you check to make sure your windows and sliding doors are locked.
  3. Keep Your Outside Clear.  Make sure your hedges and bushes are trimmed and not crowding around your doorways; this will prevent providing a hiding spot for a would-be burglar.  Store ladders and step stools inside your home, garage, or a locked shed when not in use.
  4. Reduce visibility.  Keep your electronics and other valuable possessions out of direct view of windows.  If you’re traveling, you may want to consider removing TVs, computers, and other equipment to an interior room so that it can’t be seen from the outside.
  5. Traveling.  You’ll want to be extra cautious before you travel during the holidays.  Limit the amount of information you share about your vacation online and with anyone who isn’t “need-to-know”.  Continue to using automatic lights and security systems as you normally would.  If you’ll be gone longer than a weekend, consider having your mail and newspaper deliveries stopped for the duration of your trip.  You can also contact your local police department to see if they’ll provide security checks on vacant homes.

Don’t become lax in your home security procedures during non-holiday months either.  Burglars usually rely on an opportunity to present itself before striking their target.  If you maintain your home’s security throughout the year, you’ll be less likely to become a victim.