As the first semester comes to a close, the crunch to complete community service hours begins. For some this process is stressful, but for Grace Griffin, she has been involved in her community since the fourth grade. For nearly 8 years Grace has been working tirelessly with various organizations to improve the lives of countless members of the Charleston homeless community, becoming an official nonprofit in April of 2022. Recently, she even collaborated with Chick-fil-A to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit organization working to house homeless veterans.

Grace started a fundraising campaign called “Sweets for Veterans” for the week of Veterans Day. Grace’s Homeless Hope Foundation would have $1 donated for every cookie sold for the three participating locations. The six-day event raised over $1,600 from Chick-fil-A and an additional $800 in direct donations for a grand total of $2,400 for the Tunnel to Towers’ efforts to build veteran villages in North Charleston. She shares that “these homes are safe and ensure that veterans will have the stability needed to start to rebuild their lives.” This was a huge help to the Tunnel to Towers and an inarguably valiant effort by Grace to reduce the impacts of homelessness. However, not all service opportunities have to be on such a large scale. 

Grace’s Homeless Hope Foundation actually has a club here at Academic Magnet with numerous community service opportunities for students. Whether you are a member of the club or not you can participate in toiletry drives by bringing unopened, travel-sized shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, or any other cosmetic or hygienic products. The club hosts “packing parties” for these toiletries and other foundational items that go to those who need them. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and show gratitude for the services these veterans gave to our country. While this opportunity is not offered directly through the club, the Homeless Hope Foundation goes to downtown Charleston once a week to provide homeless veterans and others with a hot meal. This experience is “extremely gratifying,” Grace shares, “Seeing the hardships these people go through and seeing their positive attitude regardless gives me hope that the efforts we are making will make a difference in their lives and they always express gratitude for everything they get. It is truly inspiring.” If any readers are interested in helping give hot meals to the homeless downtown, don’t be afraid to reach out to Grace via email at homelesshope4@gmail.com. 

So again, as the semester ends, you may find yourself needing more community service hours. This is just one example of a foundation working for a good cause and could use all the help they could get. As you look to complete your community service, remember that your work is for the greater good of your community, and if you put your heart and soul into your work it can help you to feel good. Be sure to wish congratulations to Grace Griffin for her hard work to mitigate homelessness right here in our community.