Hike Kidz Foundation Leads ‘Fill the Tote’ Event to Support Local Students

At the Stone Branch Center for the Arts, the community came together for a heartfelt mission—ensuring local students have the essentials they need. Led by the Hike Kidz Foundation, the “Fill the Tote” event brought together businesses, volunteers, and educators to pack 100 tote bags with hygiene products, multivitamins, and art supplies for children facing hardships in Warren County.

Photo by Leah Howard, Leah Faith Photography

Vice Mayor Amber Veitenthal opened the event, highlighting the power of collaboration. “This is a perfect example of how our community steps up to help those in need,” she said. The Hike Kidz Foundation, founded by Harmony and Aaron Hike, has made it their mission to support local children. “We wanted these kids to feel the love of their community,” Harmony explained. “These bags are more than just basic necessities—they’re a reminder that people care.”

A Community Effort

The effort gained strong financial backing, with First Bank as the event’s title sponsor. Susan Ralls and Candace Davenport represented the bank, emphasizing their commitment to making a difference. “At First Bank, we believe in the power of one person making an impact,” Ralls said.

The Stone Branch Center for the Arts, led by director Terri Jenkins, not only hosted the event but also contributed art supplies. “Art is a way for children to express themselves,” Jenkins said. “We hope these supplies bring them joy and creativity.”

Local businesses also stepped up in a big way. Rebel Heart Beauty Co., represented by Lauren Calhoun and Jesse Shafer, donated 100 haircuts through their “Haircuts with Heart” program. Donahoe Whimsical Florist provided a beautiful floral arrangement, while Garcia & Gavino contributed desserts for attendees. Hike Construction supplied materials to fill the totes, and Willie and Nina from C&C Frozen Treats donated ice cream vouchers for the children. Dusty’s Country Store and Studio Verde each made monetary donations to support the cause.

Reaching the Children Who Need It Most

The tote bags will be distributed through the Nourish Nest, a Warren County Public Schools initiative led by Joanna McCue Martin and Katie Priest. The program started as a small hygiene closet but has since expanded into a full-fledged resource center. “This initiative not only provides supplies to students but also serves as a learning experience,” Priest said. Her students from the Elements Program—who are learning job and life skills—helped assemble the totes. “They’re giving back while gaining valuable experience,” she added.

Danelle Sperling, Director of Special Services for Warren County Public Schools, praised the effort. “We are so fortunate to have community partners like the Hike Kidz Foundation. Their work ensures that these resources reach the students who need them the most.”

Looking Ahead

The Hike Kidz Foundation plans to continue its mission beyond this event. Extra totes are available through a hardship request form on the foundation’s website for children who may not be part of a school program but still need assistance. “Not every child in need is easy to find, and we want to make sure no one is left out,” Harmony Hike said.

As the event wrapped up, Vice Mayor Veitenthal reflected on the success of the initiative. “This was a true community effort, and it’s inspiring to see so many people come together for our kids.”

With the first 100 tote bags ready for distribution, the Hike Kidz Foundation and its partners are already looking forward to future efforts to support local students. Those interested in contributing can visit the foundation’s website to get involved.