MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — Giving Tuesday has a bit of a different meaning this year for those who work in the hospitality industry in Pinellas County’s beach communities.

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber has been raising money since Hurricane Helene to help support hospitality workers who have had their livelihoods affected.

What You Need To Know

  • Anyone who worked at a restaurant, hotel or attraction in a Pinellas beach community and is currently unemployed is eligible 

  • $200 Visa gift cards will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Madeira Beach City Hall parking lot

  • To receive gift card, bring ID and proof of former employment 

  • Must be present to receive gift card

On Giving Tuesday, the chamber will be distributing those funds to unemployed hospitality workers in the form of $200 in Visa gift cards.

The giveaway will run from 10 a.m. to noon on a first-come first-served basis until supplies run out.

After the Visa gift cards are depleted, they will be distributing donated gift cards in smaller denominations from both Publix and a local restaurant.

To receive the gift cards, you must be present and bring your ID.

The chamber also asks for proof of former employment in the form of an old pay stub, work uniform, employee paperwork or signed note from a former employer.

To date, the chamber says it has raised roughly $30,000 for hospitality workers through the fundraising efforts.

“We were torn about what we would do and how much and I think every little bit helps in a situation like this,” said Robin Miller, President of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber. “When this first happened, we realized there was no support at all for the businesses and hospitality workers, so we’ve just been doing everything we can to try and give that support.”

The chamber is still collecting donations for hospitality workers. View information to donate as part of Giving Tuesday.