The holidays are a tough time for disadvantaged kids and their families. Never is wealth disparity more on display than during the holidays. The Young Lions Christmas Angels program works to narrow the “gift gap” for Tampa’s inner-city children. With close to 200 families and more than 600 kids to serve, the effort gets off to an early start. As of August, they had already begun collecting bikes and helmets as well as diapers and wipes to give to families with babies.
“We’ve been sending out letters requesting that individuals and companies adopt a child or a few for Christmas,” says Bryant. Each child is given at least 2 toys off the wish list, a pair of PJ’s, tennis shoes, socks, and an outfit. Parents also receive a $50.00 gift card so that they can get something for themselves; Bryant gets emotional explaining that often kids’ only wish is a gift for their mom or dad. To adopt a child or make other donations, CLICK HERE.
This year the Young Lions plan to pull out all the stops for their Christmas Angels Toy Drive benefiting Tampa’s low income children. It should come as no surprise that the donation and collection part of their mission has already begun for the 2022 holiday season.
They are accepting donations of cash and gifts at these locations around the Bay area:
Elevation Life Center
755 W. Lumsden Rd
Brandon, Fl 33511
Car Credit North West Tampa Location
2902 W. HIllsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33614
Italiano Insurance Services
3021 W. Swann Ave
Tampa, Fl 33609
Car Credit Ruskin Location
108 N US Hwy 41 Ruskin,
FL 33570
Coles Barber Shop
5204 N. 34th St
Tampa, Fl 33610
Car Credit Holiday Location
2008 US Hwy 19 North
Holiday, FL 34691
Car Credit East Tampa Location
3923 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
Around Spring Break each year, The Young Lions conduct a high-impact 1-day Basketball & Cheerleading Camp for more than 400 children on the campus of the University of Tampa. Coaches from around Tampa Bay donate their time to work with the kids on their basketball, cheerleading, and life skills. Subsequently, the All Star Game, held at Jefferson High School, features high school seniors who have played basketball for their schools. Scholarships are awarded for academic, arts, and other accomplishments.