Hike Kidz Foundation Donates $18,900 to Support Housing-Insecure Students in Warren County

At the October 1, 2025, Warren County School Board meeting, a heartfelt act of community generosity took center stage. The Hike Kidz Foundation, a Front Royal-based nonprofit, presented a donation of $18,900 to support students experiencing housing insecurity in Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).

Amber Veitenthal, president of the Hike Kidz Foundation, presents an $18,900 donation to the Warren County School Board on October 1, 2025. The funds, raised through the “Hold My Heart” campaign, will support students experiencing housing insecurity through the district’s Project HOPE program.

The funds were raised through the Foundation’s Hold My Heart-Love Wins Campaign, an innovative and deeply personal project that not only raises critical crisis funding but also uplifts the voices and artistic expression of the students it supports.

A Campaign Built on Compassion and Creativity

Amber Veitenthal, president of the Hike Kidz Foundation, presented the donation on behalf of co-founders Harmony and Aaron Hike, as well as the entire Foundation team. Standing before the school board, she emphasized that the campaign was born out of a simple conversation that led to an inspiring idea.

Last December, Harmony Hike spoke with WCPS Superintendent Dr. Chris Ballenger about a previous donation. During that conversation, Dr. Ballenger introduced her to Ms. Joanna McHugh-Martin, a key staff member on the district’s Project HOPE team, which administers services under the McKinney-Vento Act. This federal program ensures educational stability for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

It quickly became apparent that while the need in the district was great, the available funding was not.

Moved to action, Harmony envisioned a community-based fundraiser that could both preserve student privacy and raise awareness: the Hold My Heart campaign.

Through this effort, students experiencing housing insecurity were invited to paint two symbolic hearts. One remains on display at the Stonebranch Center for the Arts in Front Royal, while the second is gifted to a sponsor, accompanied by a small plaque recognizing the donor or someone they chose to honor.

Each sponsorship is valued at $600 per year, with flexible monthly options. To date, 54 hearts have been sponsored, with 27 still available. As more hearts are sponsored, the Foundation pledges to provide ongoing monthly donations to support student needs.

“These sponsorships directly fund things like crisis assistance, field trips, sports fees, and basic necessities,” said Veitenthal. “The children also shared with Ms. McHugh-Martin that painting the hearts gave them a chance to reflect. It was a healing outlet they didn’t even know they needed.”

The campaign’s impact has already rippled beyond the monetary. A quilt on display at the board meeting, crafted by Kelly Walker, featured representations of the original hearts, weaving student stories into a powerful visual tribute.

Filling the Gaps, One Heart at a Time

WCPS currently serves 81 students experiencing housing insecurity, though their identities are kept confidential for privacy and protection. Many in the community are unaware that such a large number of children face these challenges.

“The hearts are a representation of what these students chose to share, but their circumstances remain private,” said Veitenthal. “We don’t know their names, but we know they are showing up to school every day, facing hardships with courage and resilience.”

The donated funds will be used by Project HOPE to address urgent needs, including:

• Emergency food
• Clothing and hygiene items
• Transportation or participation costs for school activities
• Other essential support that helps remove barriers to learning

By partnering with local organization Boxes of Basics, Hike Kidz also helps ensure students have access to essential supplies.

A Grateful Community Response

As Veitenthal concluded her presentation, board members and staff expressed deep gratitude for the Hike Kidz Foundation’s commitment to serving students.

“On behalf of Warren County Public Schools, thank you very, very much for this donation,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. J. David Martin. “Your recognition that not every kid has what they need to come to school—and your efforts to fill that void—means more than we can say.”

A motion was made and approved to formally accept the donation “with gratitude.”

Also thanked by name during the presentation were Front Royal Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell and Warren County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers, the first two community members to sponsor hearts when the campaign launched.

Community Members Can Still Participate

The Hold My Heart campaign continues, with additional hearts available for sponsorship. Community members are invited to view the hearts at the official unveiling at Stonebranch Center for the Arts, scheduled for:

• October 10, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• October 11, 2025, during the Festival of Leaves

Sponsors receive a painted heart to display at home, while the twin heart remains on public display as a symbol of ongoing community support. Each is paired with a plaque recognizing the sponsor or someone they choose to honor in memoriam.

About the Hike Kidz Foundation

The Hike Kidz Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 417 North Royal Ave. in Front Royal, Virginia. The organization’s mission is to meet the immediate needs of children and families facing crisis situations in Warren County. Through initiatives like Hold My Heart, Hike Kidz aims to support vulnerable students while building awareness and inspiring long-term community investment.

For more information or to sponsor a heart, residents are encouraged to contact the Hike Kidz Foundation or visit the Stonebranch exhibit.