Tampa, Florida-- Despite Tampa Bay's lead in the state for the number of newly licensed foster families, state and local officials say they are still in desparate need of willing and well-suited parents as nearly 2,000 Bay area foster children remain. 

The recent "Fostering Florida's Future"  and "1200 New Foster Parents in 12 Months" initiatives have helped the Bay area land over 150 new foster homes just this year, and DCF officials say they are rolling out two new recruitment efforts to keep the growth going.

Tampa, FL-- There are 38 Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Bay area, and each and every one of them are working alongside the Children's Cancer Center to provide "Fuel for Families" this November.

The “Fuel for Families” challenge will collect grocery and gas gift cards for families who struggle financially to get their children to critical medical visits, and to provide them with healthy meals while undergoing treatment, explains a release about the initiative.

Tampa, FL-- It seems early to start thinking of the holidays, but the Suncoast District of the U.S. Postal Service wants to inform its customers of their upcoming toy drive. 

On December 1, the Postal Service asks those customers who are able to leave unwrapped toys by their mailboxes, or in bins at the nearest post office. 

The toys will support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to "brighten the holiday for less fortunate children."