Charleston Hospitality Is Still Alive!

In less than a week, residents contributed towards a heartfelt occurrence. Genouristy was well alive in Mount Pleasant when Catherine Despotovic posted help for a single mother with two young teenagers who faced losing everything when their home burned down. Catherine Despotovic, a Realtor? with Trident Real Estate, showed how much can be achieved and accomplished within less than a week to help this family get back on their feet. Catherine spoke with the Mom, six days after the fire had occurred. The mother stated that she had a few small bags of clothing since the fire, but nothing else. The Red Cross gave her $500 cash, and a hotel for three nights, with some links to non-profit organizations.

We spoke with Catherine, and she said it was disappointing to hear that's all that was provided for her and her children after losing their home. I knew this wasn't our community, and I had to help this family get back on their feet. I posted and explained the family's situation and asked for help. It has been a heartfelt transaction throughout our community as neighbors open their hearts and homes to donate furniture, small kitchen appliances, cookware, clothes, décor, cash, gift cards, etc., to help this family during a challenging moment.

I just knew people would want to help; we are not a community that turns our heads and backs when there's an awareness such as this within our community. We are better than that, and everyone who contributed took a stand to deliver the results we did for this family in less than a week. Together we are more robust, and together is how we rise! It all started with one post, and I continued to update the status of this family's needs; take a look for yourself on how we accomplished as much as we did in less than six days:

First Post: Wednesday 21, 2021

Hello Neighbors,

A little over a week ago, we had a single Mom with two teenagers lose everything when their house burned to the ground due to a refrigerator malfunction. The Mom was at work when this occurred while her teenagers were home. They lost one of their family dogs, but the teenagers could save themselves and their other pets. Unfortunately, they did not have renters insurance, and after a week has gone by, there's been a few donations but not nearly what they need to restart.

I am creating this post to ask all of our family and friends within our communities to help this family in this challenging moment. If you know someone who has some things (furniture, beds, clothes, household cookware, etc.) that you have to giveaway, please contact me, and I can come to pick it up and bring it to the family. I appreciate any help you can provide.

~ Catherine (Your Realtor? Girl)

Update:

The Mom signs her lease tomorrow a.m at 8:30. She found her a home?! She is ready for us to bring stuff! Thank you, everyone, for contributing! This has even brought tears to my eyes, as we are stronger together!

So far, we have:

two-arm sofa chairs

A bookshelf

A queen size mattress and box spring

A dresser and nightstand

A couple of clothes:

Update as of 4/23/21

The Mom signed her lease yesterday morning, and the family and I went around and picked up the donations/contributions that they were giving to them with a uhual I had rented. They were residents of Mount Pleasant, but now North Charleston, as we are experiencing low inventory within the Real Estate market. It truly was touching. I could tell how the whole experience in receiving was grateful, but at the same time in total shock at how so many are stepping in to help them. I am so proud of the young teens, as they saved the most valuable thing out of that house, which was themselves. Yes, they lost a dog, but we as a community are showing them their worth. We can replace every material, but we can't replace a life. They each now have a bed to sleep at night.

So far, for their household, they have:

Kitchen: A couple of pots, cups, dish towels, and a Cuisinart for Moms coffee

Kitchen Needs: Food, Microwave, more dishes, and cookware.

Dining Room Needs: Table and chairs

Living Room: They have a sofa with a matching couch and ottoman: a living room carpet, a comfy chair, and a bookshelf.

Boy Bedroom: Twin box spring, mattress, and dresser.

Boy Bedroom Need: Twin Bed Frame

Girl Bedroom: Queen Bed with a frame and a chest/vanity.

Mom Room: Queen Bed.

Mom Room Needs: Queen Bed Frame, with maybe a small dresser/etc

Electronics: One 32 inch TV.

I almost forgot—60-gallon fish tank with stand.

The Children need clothes for school, book bags, supplies, etc. Mom needs work clothes, etc. They need bathroom necessities, such as towels, bathroom rugs, etc. Gift cards will be fantastic, as this will not only help them buy what they need; it will allow them to feel themselves as they pick and choose which one, or what ?? I can see now, Mom, which one will look better? Does this look good on me? Will this be nice for my room? It will bring this family even closer together! I also have a Venmo account under Catherine Despotovic, or cell (xxx) xxx - xxxx; thus, we have contributed $50, with a couple more on the way. If you know anyone who wants to contribute as well, let me know.

I am a Realtor with Trident Real Estate; my Broker is Fudgy. Anyone can drop off anything they want at our office located at 672 Marina Dr. suite #110 Charleston, SC 29492. Business cell: (843) 981 – 9619.

Thank you so much!

~Catherine (You Realtor? Girl)

Last Post: Monday, April 26, 2021:

I want to THANK everyone personally!!! We got this family back on their feet for their home necessities! For those wondering what the Red Cross did for this family, they gave Mom $500, a hotel for only 3 nights, and some links to some non-profit organizations. This Mom is not savvy tech, nor does she know or had the time to worry about filling out forms and keep getting spin around for some help. What everyone did to contribute and donate to this family has tremendously helped them emotionally. Since this post under 6 days, we got the family almost everything they needed for their home. The family received ballpark around $2,000 in gift cards and cash. I still have to collect from a few people.

The only thing missing for their home now is:

Queen headboard

Twin frame

Lawnmower

When the family gets settled, Mom wants to throw a housewarming party for everyone who helped them. I will personally message everyone and let them know when and if you'd like to attend.

P.S. This is not my career; I help people who are going through challenging moments from the heart as I encounter individuals. I understand the struggles, and as a natural philanthropist, it is a part of me to give and help others. I formed my corporation Despotovic Inc. located here in Mount Pleasant, in 2017. I provide consulting in many different aspects; I am also a Realtor?, Scholar-Practitioner pursuing my Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and a single mom of 3 daughters, 18, 12, and 10. I personally knew the Mom and her kids, as we used to work together. Please, keep me in mind, and if you come across in need of my services, contact me.

Thank you, everyone, for everything!!!

Since the last post, there were more contributions, and there are no more necessities for the family. After over 400 messages that Catherine had to communicate, and she accomplished her mission. A good deed this was! I am proud to represent our communities; nothing is too complicated or unreachable; It just takes to know your resources, a source, and a voice, she stated. Catherine Despotovc sure did have it!