History: Nearly 20 years ago, two ambitious University of Georgia students went to Kenya and Brazil to work with children living with HIV/AIDS. In 2003, they started Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out (H.E.R.O.) for Children, Inc. in Georgia after realizing that few organizations here supported children.

Did you know: Each year, children ages 6-16, enjoy one-on-one mentorships, a weeklong residential summer camp with fishing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, talent shows, and workshops that discuss best practices for living with HIV/AIDS. H.E.R.O. for Children also provides tutoring, extracurricular activities, college application fees and more.

Motto: H.E.R.O. for Children’s mission is to improve the “quality of life care” gap for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS through enrichment programs, unforgettable experiences and connections with the community across Georgia.

How you can help: Become a mentor; male mentors are especially needed, a camp volunteer, or donate school supplies or new toy items for their annual back-to-school and Holiday of HEROs programs. Financial donations are always welcome.

To learn more: Visit www.heroforchildren.org or email info@heroforchildren.org.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Although the cold and rainy days aren't fun, “working at a grade school, you see the little guys, and it makes it all worthwhile,” said Ted Masters, the oldest school crossing guard in Peachtree City. (Phil Skinner for the AJC)

Credit: Phil Skinner

Featured

UPS driver Dan Partyka delivers an overnight package. As more people buy more goods online, the rapid and unrelenting expansion of e-commerce is causing real challenges for the Sandy-Springs based company. (Bob Andres/AJC 2022)

Credit: TNS