Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino pillows and Hanes socks are welcome necessities for teens and young adults in need of shelter

(L-R): Darius Hunter and Har Kaur, Covenant House Florida youth residents; and Betsy Syprien, director of supportive services for Covenant House Florida. Covenant House Florida youth residents receive new pillow and sock donations from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Hanes.

Winter weather and the holidays are a particularly difficult time for thousands of homeless youth across the state who lack shelter and a family support system. Thanks to generous donations from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Hanes, Covenant House Florida’s youth residents will be comforted from head to toe with fluffy new pillows and cozy socks.

“We are so thankful for these generous donations from Hanes and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Michael Long, CEO of Covenant House Florida. “For so many of the youth who come to us, the only belongings they have are those that they are wearing or carrying in a backpack. A soft pillow for a good night’s rest and some warm socks, along with our other services, provide the relief and comfort our youth need and deserve.”

Socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. Hanes has responded to this need by partnering with Covenant House to donate thousands of pairs of socks to homeless youth at Covenant House shelters nationwide through the brand’s National Sock Drive. Donations of basic apparel (socks, underwear and bras) to all of those who are experiencing the detrimental, often traumatic, effects of homelessness can be made through the Hanes website www.hanes.com/sockdrive.

Covenant House Florida youth resident Darius Hunter receives a new pillow and socks

“Hanes is thrilled to partner with Covenant House again this year and incredibly proud to support the organization’s critical mission of supporting and housing America’s youth who need it most,” said Jamie Wallis, senior manager of marketing for Hanes. “Most of us take new socks and underwear for granted, but we know they bring great comfort to - and can make a dramatic difference in - the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Access to something as basic as clean, dry socks can literally save lives within our country’s homeless population.”

Covenant House Florida’s 733 Breakers Avenue shelter in Fort Lauderdale has experienced 700 admissions in 2018. With so many young adults in need of a safe, warm and welcoming place to rest, bedding items such as pillows, are in high demand. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, has generously donated 75 new pillows sets from its AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel to help meet the demand.

“While this is a joyous season for many, there are hundreds of children in our community that spend the night on the streets or in a homeless shelter,” said Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “It is difficult to imagine the challenges these children face on a daily basis so we try to do all we can to help. By providing these brand-new sets of pillows, we know they will at least have a place to rest their heads in comfort. Thanks to the generosity of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the philanthropic soul of Hard Rock, we are able to support organizations such as Covenant House Florida in their efforts to aid those in need within our community.”

Over the years, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has been an ardent supporter of Covenant House Florida through sponsorships and donations.

Covenant House Florida provides comprehensive services to young people experiencing homelessness in Florida.The agency offers vulnerable youth a bridge from homelessness to hope, providing them access to a wide array of essential services such as safe shelter, medical and mental health care, and educational and vocational assistance.

About Covenant House Florida

Covenant House Florida provides shelter and services to homeless, runaway, at-risk and trafficked youth up to age 21, including young moms and their babies. With facilities in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Covenant House Florida is one of the largest providers of services for homeless youth in the state, having served more than 38,500 young people since opening its doors in 1985. For more information, call 954-568-7916 or visit www.CovenantHouseFL.org.