We measure impact by the number of families and organizations we get involved in making boxes, the number of shelters we serve and the total number of boxes we distribute through our volunteers.
For Valentine's Day 2016, we created and distributed more than 3000 handmade Valentine boxes in the Atlanta area. We delivered these boxes to 11 homeless shelters and also to people on the street who are homeless but not in shelters. These boxes went to men, women and children. Finally, we had 17 school and church groups involved with 5 other family initiated campaigns that were not officially tied to a particular school.
"I can't think of a greater way to serve our community with our children than to walk the streets and talk to those that live on them, and hand them gifts of love and messages of hope. The Homeless at Heart delivery on Valentine's Day has enlightened my son and me to the hardships of some of our neighbors. It is impactful and devastating but, more than that, our hearts have been imprinted with their kindness and gratitude. This charity is, at it's heart, a hands on way to offer love to others. It is giving in it's purest form."
Atlanta mother of 13 year old son and a Student Ambassador
"Pebble Tossers is proud to partner with Homeless at Heart. Watching Charles, a young volunteer, grow and learn how to utilize his gifts to serve others is inspiring to volunteers of all ages. We look forward to helping Homeless at Heart achieve their goals each year and extend an even larger ripple of giving in our community."
Jennifer Guynn, Co-Founder and Executive Director
"More Love Letters has loved working with Homeless at Heart. From the people to the mission, we are all on board for what they are doing. A passionate organization with a fantastic heartbeat for what matters, we hope our partnership will continue for years to come."
Hannah Brencher, Founder of More Love Letters
"First Presbyterian Preschool’s community of students, parents and staff came together in support of Homeless at Heart in a way that was simply amazing. Parents commented about how good it felt to make the Valentine’s bags and the children related to individuals they see who need our assistance. The staff rallied around the cause and as we received each bag were so excited about the impact we would have directly to the community in midtown Atlanta. The school is proud to be a partner and advance Charlie Plyler’s mission to help those who need our expressions of love."
JoAnn Regruto, Director, First Presbyterian Preschool
"We want our students at Atlanta Youth Academy to look beyond themselves and serve others in our community. Homeless at Heart has been a great opportunity for our students to get behind a cause to help the homeless in Atlanta. Last year, a few of our 8th grade students led the effort to collect shoe boxes for Homeless at Heart and collected over 200 boxes."
Katie Koerten, 6th Grade Teacher, Atlanta Youth Academy
"The Kenan Preschool loved participating in 12-year-old Charlie Plyler's effort to spread cheer to our local homeless for Valentine's Day. We were proud to collaborate with this wonderful organization and will continue to do it again this year. Our students were excited to make valentines, decorate boxes and bring supplies. Homeless at Heart made it so easy to contribute - they are such a dedicated group! Thanks for letting us be involved."
Pam Kurkoski, Director of Anne and Jim Kenan Preschool, Atlanta Speech School
"Hello! My name is Jessica, and Homeless at Heart (HAH) is a great organization! I had donated to HAH several years through my school, Atlanta Youth Academy (AYA). During the 2015-2016 school year, I was fortunate enough to lead the effort for HAH at AYA through the 8th Grade Community Service Group. Our group got the whole school pumped up for donating boxes to the homeless, and we collected 214 boxes. My family and I volunteered at 7 Bridges during that Valentine’s Day weekend, and it felt so awesome to see the residents enjoying the boxes that were delivered to them that day. They were so excited—especially the kids. Seeing their joy made me happy!"
"Hi, I'm Scott, a student at Westminster. I gladly helped HAH in 2016 by introducing the project to the Westminster Middle School, where students and faculty eagerly embraced the project. The best part about this service project is the kids' enthusiasm creating gifts for the homeless, which almost matches the joy of those receiving the gift boxes. Truly magical!"