For the 3rd time in the last two or so years since the CSR Committee was founded at Pop! Promos, a group of employees had the pleasure of volunteering this spring with NSNP - a local organization that works endlessly to bring a sense of community, tradition, and culture to North Philadelphia through vibrant gardens and education programs.

If you're walking around the area its hard to miss the bright colors of the various structures and plants that have flourished in what would have otherwise been abandoned lots. From the people you meet working on the gardens to the art and vegetables created and planted by community members, the overall presence of this organization is breathtaking and inspiring.

Every time our team has the opportunity to work with NSNP, we all learn something new about the history of the group and expanses on their efforts to provide safe and sustaining spaces for the community to gather and grow. From touring the various gardens, we were able to see so many smiles and waves from locals that just show how authentically valued this group has become. 

From gardening, weeding, and clearing out plots to make room for new sheds and gardens to painting and sharing a meal - Pop! Promos always leaves each volunteering event with dirty hands and full hearts. "We can't wait to see how the gardens grow and develop even further and are eager to have more opportunities to volunteer again within the next year" says CSR Chairperson, Emily Kasarda, "We hope those that can donate will consider doing so because the team at NSNP has so many hopes and ideas for growth, its truly inspiring just how much of an impact they've already made!"

NSNP offers plots for local community members from all over the city to come and learn about agriculture and plant their own vegetables and plants. There are educational sessions with the youth of the city that offers them the chance to play and learn about gardening, music, and Puerto Rican and African culture. During our last visit we were lucky enough to share a meal with team members and discuss their plans for the future and how far their organization has come in the last few years.

For our readers that are located in the Philadelphia area, check out some of the opportunities that Norris Square Neighborhood Project has to offer by visiting their website here: https://myneighborhoodproject.org/

Pop! took notice of the recent struggles in Philadelphia’s inner city schools and their need for support and supplies. Together, the team at Pop! raised $1,200 in donations for local teachers in the Philadelphia area. 

"With the amount of donations we received from our generous team members here at Pop!, we were able to knock out four teachers' Amazon wish lists [valued at $300 each], and bring a large box of supplies to a nearby elementary school. It's encouraging to know these will be put to good use as teachers and students are in need now more than ever!" said drive organizer Katie Kring.

Donations in physical supplies like notebooks, folders, pencils, erasers, markers, and more were collected among the staff and brought to a local school, Horatio B Hackett Elementary. The staff was ecstatic to receive the supplies and sent us a thank you for our efforts to help out!