Hope Now Foundation helped many struggling families have one less burden on their minds by providing school supplies. With classes scheduled to open, most still needed the necessary items. 

Hope Now Foundation 

In a report with WFTV, Mike Radka and the Hope Now Foundation worked together to help these students in need. 

Both have partnered for the past 16 years to lend a helping hand to struggling families. They have initiated many backpack drives where they give new backpacks filled with school supplies to give to students in need. 

Radka told the news outlet that this year posed a challenge for them because they were still short of their goal. The group extended the deadline for those who wanted to donate to their cause. He is the president and founder of the faith-based foundation. 

According to Radka, one does not realize the need of the community until they receive calls for it. He pointed out that the price of the school supplies was pricier this year. 

He explained that it might seem that it would be challenging to get the items needed, but it was not the case. 

Filling Need 

Many families understand the struggles of buying school supplies for their children. Doreen Franklin told the news outlet that she always struggles with making ends meet in today's economy. 

She credited herself as lucky for being able to avail of school items from the foundation's supply drive. 

Franklin encouraged others to donate to the cause since it would help many families in need. She said that people like Radka were a God-send to those who were struggling with their finances. 

The foundation is currently asking the public for backpacks and other school supplies to help fill the need. 

Spreading Gospel of Christ

According to the Hope Now International website, the organization is a Christian mission effort. The organization was established in 2005 by Henry and Frances Zittrower. 

Both wanted to preach to the people of La Colonia. The foundation began as a small calling from God to practice compassion for those in need. 

The foundation hosts regular Backpackathon fundraisers for students in need. 

Hope in Tragedy 

According to the Hope Now Foundation page on LinkedIn, Radka experienced trials in his life when he lost his two younger brothers. 

His grief brought him to read passages from the Bible. Reading those verses changed his life. Radka learned that to be happy in life. One must love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

He decided to put this love into action by helping his less-fortunate brothers and sisters. 

Radka established the foundation with his sister, Karla. Today, they help children and their families access the resources they need. 

The foundation has over 400 volunteers who help out with operations each year. 

They have served Central Florida and its citizens for about 17 years. To date, the organization has helped over 70,000 students in need. 

The Hope Now Foundation is also part of Living Water 4 Roatan. Both have worked to provide clean drinking water by building wells in Africa. 

The groups have established a Christ-centered ministry in Central America.

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