CLAY COUNTY — From a young age, Melissa Rodriguez has known what it's like to experience hardships in life. 

Once 16 years old, pregnant and homeless, she said she struggled — sometimes going days without food to eat and clothes to wear. 

But, through that time in her life, the unwavering support and help from the people around her – sometimes even strangers – gave her a place to land on her feet. 

And now, years later, she’s giving back in what she said is the best way possible. 

“I’m in a much better place today. So, my heart desires to give back,” she said. “And, to just bless those and encourage those that need a helping hand.” 

Rodriguez is the current president and one of the founders of Seeds of Love Outreach, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to serving disadvantaged communities.

In a labor of love, Rodriguez said the group is sowing the seeds of support throughout Northeast Florida, hoping to grow positive change.

 Established in 2018, the group works to provide essential items to those in need. From clothes and shoes to children’s toys and kitchen appliances, Rodriguez said they cater to the specific needs of each individual or family. 

From solely donated funds, she said Seeds of Love assists about 200 people each month through their monthly community outreach and family-centered programs. 

But, what she said sets them apart is the dignity they bring to the people they serve. And they do that by supplying those in need with brand-new items handpicked by the volunteers themselves.

Seeds of Love volunteers spend their days shopping, online or in-store, for items at highly discounted prices.

“We have a small group of people who are really skilled at seeking online and in-store deals,” she said. “Like, extreme bargain shoppers. And, I would say 95% of the clothing that we get, we're able to find for a dollar or less.”

She said she’s witnessed firsthand the impact that this simple act can have. Rodriguez reminisced when they gave a young man transitioning from jail new clothes to apply for a job. She said upon receiving the bag, he began to cry. The man said he had never been given anything new before. 

“It's our way to remind them that they’re our first thought, not an afterthought,” Rodriguez said. 

Since 2021, the organization has also collaborated with Saved 2 Serve to put on their annual Back to School Bash, which she said has reached new heights recently. 

“We had 600 in attendance on our very first event … the following year, we were even more shocked because 1,400 people showed up at Mercy,” she said.

With other events and project partners such as Impact Clay, Dignity Impact Outreach and Mercy Support Services, Rodriguez said they are continuing to meet the ever-growing needs of the community one person at a time. She said she understands that they all need each other to reach their goals.

“One organization can’t do it all,” she said. “We’re stronger. We can effect good change and impact more lives when we work together. We may be good at the shopping part, [but] someone else is good at the food.” 

For the future, Rodriguez said the group hopes to eventually expand the organization – bringing in more volunteers and moving to a bigger facility to properly house all the necessities that make their mission so relevant to the community.

During her times of hardship, Rodriguez was luckily able to recover, graduating high school and joining the military a year later. As a single mom, families would often adopt her and her son, especially during holidays, giving them food, clothes and toys. The generosity made her feel seen and loved.

She said she wants to give others that same feeling. 

“It’s just something that I never forgot,” Rodriguez said. “The generosity of others.”