In a heartwarming tradition now in its fourth year, The Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council will deliver Canastas de Amor (Love Baskets) filled with food and toiletries to seniors in Tampa on Valentine's Day.
This year, the community benefitting from this initiative is the Mary Bethune Hi Rise Apartment Complex in Old West Tampa, where nearly 95 percent of residents are Hispanic. Each of the 150 Love Baskets, lovingly prepared by council members, will be personally delivered to each apartment in the complex.
The Canastas de Amor program aims to support our most vulnerable residents, especially elderly and at-risk individuals, by providing essential items such as non-perishable food, personal care products, and socks.
"With the rising cost of both groceries and personal items, it’s harder than ever for our elderly residents to make ends meet. These donations are a way to give back to our community and show our seniors that they are loved, supported, and never forgotten,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
The 2025 event is generously sponsored by Vigo & Alessi, Dr. Christine Hernandez, the North Tampa Housing Development Corporation, and the Tampa Housing Authority, with donations also provided by New Bethel Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, Donna Parrino, and La Gaceta.
Media outlets are invited to cover the Valentine’s Day basket deliveries. A member of the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council will be available for interviews in English and Spanish.
For more information, please contact Janice Justiniano, Event Coordinator, at Janice.Justiniano@thafl.com or Maribel Garrett, City of Tampa Liaison, at Maribel.Garrett@tampagov.net.