LOV Thrift Store awards 2026 scholarships to high schoolers
By James Kmosko
Local charity LOV Thrift Store awarded $25,000 in scholarship money to local high schoolers in May.
The 501(3)(c) charity, based at the intersection of NC-150 and NC-16 (Killian Crossroads), awarded three $5000 scholarships and one $10,000 scholarship to high school seniors in eastern Catawba and Lincoln counties.
“It was LOV’s honor and pleasure to present four scholarships to local students that are children of honorably discharged veterans, to assist them with their next step in life,” said LOV President and Co-founder Kevin Popko. “LOV is simply the facilitator. The ones that make this happen are the shoppers, donators, and volunteers from this wonderful, caring community.”
The scholarship will assist the recipients in paying for tuition and housing at the university of their choice. The scholarship, Kevin told the Chronicle in April, could significantly reduce the financial hardship of college for the students who receive it.
One student was selected from each of the four eligible high schools nearest to LOV’s location (North Lincoln, East Lincoln, Lincoln Charter, and Bandys).
This was the second year that LOV’s scholarship program paid out tens of thousands of dollars.
In 2025, LOV’s board did not choose the scholarship recipients, instead taking the recommendation of the schools.
This year, Kevin said that the board decided to take a “hands on” approach. Students were selected from the school’s “top three” choices by LOV’s board based on submitted essays, merit, and need. All selected students are children of an honorably discharged veteran.
“We look forward to doing our third annual LOV scholarship program next year,” Kevin said.
