Project Pop Drop, a local charitable arm of Platinum International LLC since 2015, has been a reliable supporter of the homeless men and women of Pinellas Hope since 2017!
Each year and sometimes twice a year, the member organizations donate large quantities of clothing and food to help improve the lives of our residents. Upon learning about the Hope Cottages™, CEO, Sharon Edwards, approached the group about raising funds to have one cottage dedicated to the group. The funds would help maintain the cottage and allow residents to live in an air-conditioned space with a bed, electricity, and a lockable front door instead of a tent! Said Edwards, “Each year we do an annual Drop (food donation) at Pinellas Hope. It always breaks my heart to see people living in tents. So, this year, we decided to reach out to local business owners to donate funds to purchase one of the cottages.”
As a result, four donors stepped up to join Project Pop Drop Foundation in raising $10,000 for a Hope Cottage! Those were: Beamworks, Inc., Power Kleen Corp., Florida Firearms Academy and Dr. Rob Albergo, M.D. “Catholic Charities is doing incredible work at Pinellas Hope, and we believe in their mission and are grateful to be able to build on our regular donations of food, by donating $10,000 for a Hope Cottage room”, said Edwards.
So, current and future residents will be reminded of the group’s contribution to the cottages, a bronze plaque was dedicated to the group and a ribbon-cutting ceremony ensued. Upon completion of the ceremony, which was covered by Fox News 13, the group gathered around the cottage door, recited scripture from the Gospels and lifted up the current resident, Meredith, in prayer. In fact, according to Edwards, “It’s an uplifting experience for everyone.”
When asked what their ultimate motivation in helping others is, several members pointed to the group’s motto as saying it all about the group’s heart for the Pinellas Hope ministry of Catholic Charities: “Together We Can Save Lives.” Yanya McReynolds said, “There is no greater joy than being part of giving hope to others. It fills our hearts with joy.”
Pinellas Hope provides a safe living environment for homeless individuals; providing meals, clothing, counseling and more as they work to return to the path of self-sufficiency. Click here to learn more! To donate cash now, text PINELLASHOPE to 41444! Click here to donate!
