Supporting the Community During Hard Times

Supporting the Community During Hard Times

After the damage caused by Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton, Leisure Investment Properties Group (LIPG) stepped up to help their community by donating to Positive Impact Ministries in St. Petersburg, Florida. This organization, founded by Jay and Karalynne Brubaker, focuses on tackling food insecurity, inequality, and the root causes of hunger in the area.  Rob Marro led the effort for LIPG. He worked at the event as a volunteer. LIPG also provided financial support. We believe in supporting local charities not only with our financial support but with hard labor.

Positive Impact Ministries has always been about helping people in need. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for food skyrocketed. Many families struggled to make ends meet, so the Brubakers and their team of volunteers worked hard to distribute fresh food. They managed to provide enough for over 475,000 meals that year alone.

Their efforts didn’t stop there. By 2023, the organization had expanded its reach, distributing nearly 2 million meals. This made a huge difference for countless families facing hunger in St. Petersburg.

Jay and Karalynne Brubaker have been pillars of the St. Petersburg community for more than 55 years. Jay, a St. Petersburg Police Officer, is known for his dedication to public safety. Together, he and Karalynne also lead Positive Impact Church, where they inspire and guide others.

At the heart of Positive Impact Ministries’ daily operations is Karen Selm, Executive Director of the organization. Karen plays a critical role in managing the day-to-day activities, ensuring the smooth coordination of food distribution, volunteer efforts, and community programs. Her leadership helps keep the ministry running effectively and allows it to expand its impact.

Helping After Hurricane Milton

After Hurricane Milton, many families lost power, which caused their refrigerated food to spoil. Positive Impact Ministries jumped into action to help. They organized food distribution events at Tangerine Plaza, providing groceries to people who needed to restock their kitchens.

One of their key programs was the “Pop, Drop, and Drive” event. Every weekend, about 50 volunteers packed food into boxes and handed them out. Families could either walk up or drive through to get what they needed. This simple, organized system ensured that no one was left behind.

Volunteers Making a Difference

Volunteers play a huge role in Positive Impact Ministries’ success. Recently, Rob Marro, one of LIPG’s Hospitality Advisors, joined the team at Tangerine Plaza to help distribute food. He worked alongside other volunteers, packing boxes and handing them out to families affected by Hurricane Milton.

Rob shared how rewarding it was to see the gratitude on people’s faces. For many, these food boxes were more than just meals—they were a lifeline. His experience shows how important volunteers are in making these efforts possible.

The “Pop, Drop, and Drive” events have become a symbol of hope for the community. Week after week, volunteers work tirelessly to make sure no one goes hungry. Their dedication inspires others to get involved and help.

Positive Impact Ministries isn’t stopping anytime soon. The organization continues to grow and find new ways to help. By partnering with local businesses, churches, and other groups, they’ve been able to reach more people. These partnerships provide extra funding, resources, and volunteers, which are crucial for their success.

Beyond food distribution, Positive Impact Ministries is also tackling the bigger issues behind hunger, like poverty and unemployment. They offer educational programs, job training, and community activities to help families achieve long-term stability.

The Power of Coming Together

The story of Positive Impact Ministries shows how powerful a united community can be. Jay and Karalynne’s leadership, combined with Karen Selm’s organizational expertise and the hard work of volunteers like Rob, proves that every effort makes a difference. Together, they’ve built a stronger, more supportive St. Petersburg.

LIPG’s Role in Making a Difference

LIPG’s donations and encouragement for employees to volunteer show how businesses can play a role in helping their communities. Their support for Positive Impact Ministries has been a key part of the organization’s ability to grow and help more families.

Looking Ahead

As Positive Impact Ministries continues its work, the future looks brighter for the people of St. Petersburg. With the support of donors, volunteers, and partners, they’re ready to take on new challenges. Whether it’s responding to disasters, fighting hunger, or empowering families, they remain focused on their mission to serve.

This organization shows how much good can come when people work together. Thanks to their efforts, St. Petersburg is a community that helps its own, proving that compassion and teamwork can change lives.

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