TAMPA, Fla. — Shelters in the Tampa Bay area are asking for locals to think of them as they shop for deals on Amazon’s Prime Day. Hope Villages of America, which runs the largest homeless shelter in Pinellas County, is asking for donations of essential items like socks, toiletries and undergarments. “Just like you might click that button to buy a new pair of shoes for yourself, we ask that you click the button to buy a pair of socks for someone who doesn’t have any to wear,” said Hope Villages of America CEO Christine Webb. St. Vincent de Paul CARES in Pasco County is hoping to raise $10,000 in donations through AmazonSmile, which provides a 5% donation to the charity of your choice every time you make a purchase. St. Vincent de Paul CARES is also asking for the community to purchase items from their Amazon Wish List. “We ask that you think of us as you’re shopping for those deals,” said St. Vincent de Paul CARES CEO Michael Raposa. “This is one of the ways that we can help the least of our brothers and sisters.” The Salvation Army is also encouraging people to donate locally during Prime Day. “When you support local Salvation Army programs, that money stays local and helps our neighbors in need,” said Salvation Army Area Commander Major Dave Meinhold. Prime Day, which started Monday and runs through Tuesday, is Amazon’s annual sale event that offers deep discounts on a wide range of products. Last year, Amazon said Prime Day generated more than $7 billion in sales worldwide. If you’re planning to do some shopping on Prime Day, consider donating to a local shelter in addition to purchasing items for yourself. Here are some links to the Amazon Wish Lists for the shelters mentioned in this article: * [Hope Villages of America](https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2374YZ610YQLO) * [St. Vincent de Paul CARES](https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2BXC2X8786KXF) * [The Salvation Army](https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/384J94UO2S5QK).
Tampa Bay Area Shelters Ask to Donate Locally on Amazon’s Prime Day
