CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Pinellas County second-grader is helping in the fight against food insecurity.
Nolan Davis turned a school project into a community-wide donation drive for the homeless. Nolan and his family recently took food, bedding and hygiene items to the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) in Clearwater.
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Nolan Davis, a second-grader, initiated a donation drive for the homeless
He collected over 100 pounds of food along with bedding and hygiene items
The Homeless Empowerment Program welcomed this significant contribution
“I didn’t want people to feel left out, like they didn’t matter,” said Nolan, who delivered handwritten letters to his neighbors, asking for help with donations.
“I have noodles, I have rice, I have toothbrushes,” said Nolan as he showed everything he collected, which included more than 100 pounds of pasta.
“It’s really special, and it fills my heart with so much love and I’m really proud,” said Nolan’s mother, Jenn. “I love that he cares and thinks about others.”
HEP relies on donations and welcomed this milestone delivery.
“It’s one of the largest youth-led donation drives that we have received,” Katerina Gerakios-Siren, Executive Vice President of Operations for HEP.
It’s significant, she says, because of the state of food insecurity.
“Approximately 49% of local households with children live in financial insecurity and food instability,” said Gerakios-Siren. “We’re in the North Greenwood area, which is one of the what’s called food deserts in Pinellas County, so this contribution goes a long way.”
HEP reports that more than 65,000 meals were served on campus last year. Nolan and his family hope the donation makes an impact beyond the dining room.
“We get to, in some small way, give a hug, just to show them that there are people that care,” said Jenn.
“I hope it makes them feel good about themselves,” said Nolan.
Nolan plans to coordinate more donation drives, and he’s volunteering with HEP, spending time with veterans on campus.