For all of us who say we need to find time or a cause to volunteer for, the City of St. Pete is providing the perfect opportunity. Back for 2023, CareFest in St. Pete is inspiring locals to get involved in their community and find ways to help make the city shine even brighter. Empowered by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, the two-month event runs from September 1 through October 31.

A volunteer-driven initiative, CareFest encourages citizens to find ways they can help give back to the community, whether through participating in a neighborhood clean-up, donating funds to help underserved people, or by organizing an event or drive of their own. And luckily, the city of St. Pete is leading it off with ideas, suggestions and other resources to help foster the spirit of caring and giving.

How to volunteer and become a part of CareFest

• Sign-up to Volunteer: If you, or a group, are interested in volunteering for a CareFest community service project please complete the form at stpete.org/ICAN.
• Adopt a Project: Visit carefestusa.com to adopt a local project or submit a project. 
• Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup: Neighborhood leaders can contact the Neighborhood Relations Department at Ivan.Fountain@stpete.org or 727-892-5141 for more information and to schedule. Up to two neighborhood cleanups may be scheduled in the city per weekend.
• Host a Donation Drive: Collect items to donate to local nonprofit organizations. Contact the Neighborhood Relations Department at ICAN@stpete.org or 727-892-5141 for more information.

Already, several projects are in motion that simply need people to sign up and volunteer, for as much or as little time as they like. Make it an all-day event for the whole crew, or just donate items or money to a drive. No matter what you do, big or small, it’s helping to bring even more light to the Sunshine City.

And of course, we encourage finding ways to give back year-round. CareFest is the perfect opportunity to get started.

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