Photo caption: Gini & Kevin with Donald Surrat, Army Vietnam Veteran, at his new home reveal
A lot can change in a few short years—especially when community, compassion, and purpose come together. Just over three years ago, Gini and Kevin Popko founded Love Our Veterans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity with one simple goal: help local veterans in need. Since then, they’ve done that—and so much more.
When we first featured their story in LKN Magazine two years ago, the couple had just opened the L.O.V. Thrift Store in Denver, NC. With 6,000 square feet of retail space and 21 veterans served, their impact was already taking root. Today, their mission has grown exponentially—along with their reach.
Now operating out of an expanded 8,500-square-foot thrift store, Love Our Veterans has served 100 veterans to date—and they’re not slowing down. With Veterans Day on the horizon, the Popkos have set a new goal: to reach 111 veterans by 11/11. “It might sound a little silly,” Gini says with a smile, “but how meaningful would it be to hit 111 on 11/11? It’s a fun goal that keeps us motivated—and keeps spreading the L.O.V.”
For many veterans, help means staying afloat—covering a late car payment, a past-due utility bill, or rent that’s about to fall behind. “But not every situation is that simple,” says Gini, who not only manages the store but also personally handles every application and interview with compassion and care.
Photo caption: Isabel, Army Veteran, tearing up as Gini hands her the keys to her new vehicle
Some stories are more complex—and more emotional.
“We’ve had veterans come to us in crisis,” Kevin shares. “There was one Vietnam veteran living in his childhood home, which was literally collapsing around him. We partnered with Purple Heart Homes to build him a brand-new house.”
Another time, a woman arrived with her dog, asking if she could pitch a tent behind the store. “We said no—and instead, we put her in a hotel,” Kevin recalls. “Within a month, she had a permanent apartment. And we gave her a vehicle—one of three we’ve donated so far.”
Photo caption: Army Veteran and his best man, service dog Mac, celebrating his wedding day. LOV funded the surgery Mac needed to stay by his side
Other efforts include paying for life-saving surgery for service dogs or placing homeless veterans in hotels while helping them secure jobs and housing. At any given moment, the Popkos are connecting veterans with the resources they need—whether it’s transportation, employment, or simply hope.
Still, Gini is quick to point out that while she and Kevin may help “connect the dots,” it’s the Lake Norman community that brings the mission to life. “We get thanked all the time,” she says, “but the real heroes are the people who shop, donate, and volunteer. Every single item purchased in our store goes directly toward supporting our veterans. Together, we’re doing this—collectively, we’re changing lives.”
Photo caption: Donald and Gini in front of his former home before it was demolished
And the store itself? It’s more than a place to treasure hunt—it’s a hub of giving that rivals any big-box store in variety and charm. Inside the walls of L.O.V. Thrift, you’ll find everything from clothing and shoes to artwork, furniture, electronics, tools, appliances, records, books, and holiday décor—even vintage beer taps and wine crates.
New items arrive daily, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to become a regular. “Every purchase has a purpose,” Gini says. “You’re not just buying a coffee table—you’re helping a veteran keep the lights on.”
Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply browsing, you are part of something bigger. You’re part of the L.O.V.
Goal in Sight: 111 on 11/11!
Love Our Veterans recently celebrated serving their 100th veteran—and they’re not stopping there.
With Veterans Day coming up on November 11, their new goal is to reach 111 veterans by 11/11.
“It’s a fun milestone,” says Gini Popko. “But more than that, it’s a reminder of how much can happen when a community comes together. Every single purchase, donation, and volunteer hour helps us get there.”
Join the mission. Help spread the L.O.V. and be part of making 111 on 11/11 a reality!
Photo caption: Veteran with his PTSD service dog — surgery funded by LOV
Visit, Shop, or Support
L.O.V. Thrift Store is located at 6012 Highway 16 South in Denver, NC. Open year-round, it welcomes shoppers, donors, and volunteers alike.
Learn more or donate online: loveourveteransinc.com
Follow them on Facebook: L.O.V. Thrift Store
As we pause this November to honor the brave men and women who’ve served, Love Our Veterans reminds us that meaningful support doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it looks like a donated lamp, a warm hotel bed, or a used car with a full tank of gas.
It looks like love—shared generously by a community that cares.
