TAMPA - The holiday season of giving is officially underway in Tampa Bay.

The backstory:

Metropolitan Ministries opened the doors to its massive main Holiday Tent on North Rome Avenue Monday morning, kicking off what has become the region’s largest outreach effort for families in need.

The event marks the first holiday season for the organization’s new CEO, Dr. Sarah Combs, who says the growing demand for help has been impossible to ignore.

"We’re opening our doors, we’re doubling down in ensuring that we can meet that need head on," Combs said. "Because so many of these individuals are children — and we want to make sure they’re able to have meals this season."

Rising living costs in Tampa Bay — combined with lingering economic challenges from the pandemic, hurricanes, and the rece

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