Grassroots nonprofit has passion for giving

Grassroots nonprofit aims to boost support and sense of community

Painesville native Karyn Gant has a passion for giving through her nonprofit, Ground Zero Elevated.

The grassroots endeavor formed five years ago at New Hope Baptist Church in Painesville, Gant said, and it works with economically disadvantaged children.

“We sat down one day and wanted to do something for our children and wanted to make an impact in our community,” she said.

“Last year, we did a shoebox drive and we asked donors to donate T-shirts, toothpaste and toothbrushes, underwear, socks, hats and gloves. We serviced over 250 children.”

This year, Ground Zero will be extending their toy drive to Dec. 14. Those wanting to donate may do so at Jackies Sports Bar and Grill, and they will receive a ticket for a chance to win $100.

The bar’s owner, Rich Harless, reached out to

Gant about adopting a child for the holidays.

“There are still people out there who care,” Gant said. “We’ve had so much division in our country and I think it shows that we still love our children, we still embrace our communities and we want to show, as a community, that we are still supportive in our community.”

Aside from her nonprofit, Gant also works at Elm Street Elementary School. During the novel coronavirus, she has come across many families who are going through hardships, she said.

The school has put up a giving tree with 54 ornaments in support of those in need.

“Staff pulled every one of those ornaments off the tree, so they have been supportive for our families,” Gant said.

“We wanted to reach out and do the best we can to help as many families as we can.”

SUBMITTED Aside from her nonprofit, Karyn Gant also works at Elm Street Elementary School. The school put up a giving tree with 54 ornaments in support of those in need.