Zombies are always hungry — good thing they aren't real. Metropolitan Ministries have hungry families and their need is real, so the cast of Jobsite Theater's Night of the Living Dead is teaming up to help!
All jokes aside (and I can't take credit for that headline, that's the work of our resident designer Brian Smallheer), hunger is serious business. For over 35 years, Metropolitan Ministries has helped over 150 families a day get GEDs, find employment and overcome homelessness. Their Backpacks of Hope program helps put the tools kids need in their hands to be successful students. At the holidays they provide food and toys for thousands and thousands of area families.
If you've spent much time in Tampa during the holidays, you've no doubt seen the large tent on Florida Avenue not that far north of downtown. My wife and I have personally contributed in some fashion every year, and it's impossible not to be moved by the holiday spirit when you stop in to drop things off.
This year, I have read over and over again how many organizations like MetMin across the country are hurting far worse going into the holiday season than ever before. The economy is still down, unemployment is still up. All non-profits are taking a hit in this economy. Even Jobsite has had some stressful moments. But not with this show, so let's face it, when it comes to a hungry actor or a hungry family — the hungry family wins every time. Metropolitan Ministries is facing a perfect storm: Growing need and diminishing contributions. Over 8,000 families will need assistance this holiday season, from food to warm clothing, shelter to toys from Santa.
