City Theatre fights hunger

BY JEFFREY ZANKER, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG – Kristin Demers-Crowell wanted to get her children involved in a local community activity for the MLK Day of Service.

“I was looking for a kid-friendly activity,” said Demers-Crowell, second vice president of St. Petersburg City Theatre (SPCT).

She saw the Day of Service projects as an opportunity not just for her children, but for others to contribute to their neighborhood, so she helped organize a food drive.

Next Monday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., volunteers will come to the theater, located at 4025 31th St. S, and set up an assembly line where 13,000 boxed meals such as soup and macaroni and cheese will be packed and sealed. When finished, the food will be donated to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, who provides temporary assistance for families and individuals in need of the basics such as food, shelter, healthcare and limited financial assistance.

“The project is for families who wish to be able do a service project with their kids,” Demers-Crowell said.

Later on, a theater workshop will take place for children seven and up who will get a chance to work on their speaking skills and body posture. They will also speak onstage about their inspirations.

“It is good for young people… to understand the importance of civic engagement,” said Susan Demers, an SPCT board member.

SPCT has partnered with Two Hangry Chicks (THC), a local nonprofit food service, to manage the food packaging. The service has organized meal-packaging events for shelters and clinics since 2013.

“Our goal is to fight against hunger,” said Two Hangry Chicks CEO Daphne Boothe.

Also partnering is the sixth-grade Girl Scouts troupe of St. Paul Catholic School, which Demers-Crowell serves as their leader.

Established in 1925, SPCT has been known as Florida’s longest operating community theatre. But for the past two years, the theatre has been struggling to keep operations going due to financial troubles. The group has paid off previous debts and continues to hold fundraising efforts for remodeling.

The theatre started their 2017-2018 season last month with A Christmas Carol. Upcoming shows include Schoolhouse Rock Jr. in February, followed by Jesus Christ Superstar in March.

For more information, log on to www.spcitytheatre.org or www.twohangrychicks.com