EastProv Hospitality invites everyone to join us in celebrating an organization we hold dear to our hearts — Hope & Faith Drive, LLC — led by a kind and generous couple, Carl & Maureen Sweeney, whom we are honored to call our friends. February 2026 marks the nonprofit’s 15th Anniversary, a milestone reflecting years of compassion, grassroots service, and an unwavering commitment to the East Providence community.
What began as a small, family-led effort by Carl Sweeney, Jr., his wife, Maureen, and their eleven-year-old granddaughter, Hailee Ascenio, has grown into a deeply rooted community partnership that touches hundreds of lives each year. From food and clothing distribution to mentorship, literacy, and youth engagement, Hope & Faith Drive has become a cornerstone of service in East Providence — and a powerful reminder of what can happen when heart leads the way.
“This month we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hope and Faith Drive. I never imagined it would grow into such a wonderful community partnership,” said Carl Sweeney, Jr., Founder and Director of Hope & Faith Drive.
Empowering Students and Supporting Families
Through Hope & Faith Drive, Carl Sweeney, Jr. works to inspire elementary students to participate in acts of community kindness and contribute positively to the lives of those around them. The organization also hosts weekly reading sessions and provides clothing, food, and everyday essentials to families in need. Through these efforts, Hope & Faith Drive stays true to its mission: to meet people where they are and remind them that no one in our community has to face hardship alone.
“We are so much more than just a food pantry,” Sweeney shared, “and I am inspired daily by the students I meet.”
Nurturing the Next Generation
One of the most meaningful and lasting impacts of Hope & Faith Drive is its dedication to empowering young people through its Kindness Club, the organization’s student-focused program designed to nurture empathy, leadership, and service. Through the Kindness Club, students learn firsthand what it means to give back — whether by helping with food and clothing distributions, making care packages for veterans, seniors, and community members, or simply showing up for others with compassion and care.
The program doesn’t just support students; it inspires them to become active changemakers within their schools and neighborhoods, reinforcing the idea that kindness is not just encouraged — it’s contagious.
“From the bottom of my heart, I truly mean it when I say that I am inspired daily by the actions of others, especially the students with whom I come into contact — they truly mean the world to me,” Sweeney added.
Partnering for Impact
In October of last year, EastProv Hospitality had the privilege of producing a live music clothing drive, with all donations distributed by Hope & Faith Drive during their very first clothing giveaway event. Working alongside Carl and Maureen was an inspiring experience — their dedication to the cause is evident in everything they do. Their passion goes beyond the work; they pour their hearts into making a real difference for families and children in East Providence. It’s no wonder that the Viera Family chooses Hope & Faith Drive as the beneficiary of their beloved annual Brady’s Hot Chocolate Stand.
A Legacy of Local Love
As Hope & Faith Drive celebrates 15 years of service, its story stands as a testament to what grassroots compassion can achieve. Guided by the vision and faith of Carl and Maureen Sweeney, Hope & Faith Drive was built to turn hope into action, showing that even small, heartfelt efforts can make a real difference for those who could use a hand up in their community.
EastProv Hospitality is proud to shine a spotlight on Hope & Faith Drive — not only for what it has accomplished over the past 15 years, but for the kindness, leadership, and sense of community it brings to East Providence every single day.
Here’s to 15 years of hope, faith, and meaningful impact — and to many more still to come!
To learn more about Hope & Faith Drive, LLC and discover ways to support or get involved, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hopefaithdrive or reach out via email at HopeFaithDriveLLC@gmail.com
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