Thursday, October 1, 2026
The purpose of Howie’s Heart Foundation is to extend kindness and joy into the lives of others. Jennifer Camacho is the founder, and her father, who dedicated his life to bringing kindness into the hearts of others, has his legacy carried through the events of the foundation and the individuals who participate. On Jan. 4th, Camacho and the foundation hosted a Teddy Bear Tea Party event at the Franklin Square Library where children and their families gathered for an afternoon full of crafts, a story time, and a special discussion on giving back. Although it may just seem like fun activities for children to enjoy, the events of Howie’s Heart have a much deeper meaning.
For Howie’s Heart Teddy Bear Tea Party, children were asked to bring a stuffed animal that they loved and to enjoy throughout the event, but also to bring an extra gently used stuffed animal to donate to another child who is less fortunate. They had a “ceremony” where the children would come up to give their stuffed animal a hug, whisper something in its ear to be passed down to the next child, then send it on its way for it to be loved by its new owner. Camacho explains that the children were really receptive to the message, as they learn about empathy and simply thinking about others in general.
“I founded this nonprofit with my siblings in honor of my dad, who passed away, and when my dad was alive, he always used to surprise my daughter every Valentine’s Day with a giant bouquet of red heart balloons outside of her school,” Camacho explained. “And it was just one of the kind gestures that he always did,” she added. Camacho explains that his good-natured spirit really inspired her and her siblings to create the non-profit, and that during their events, they distribute a red heart balloon to acknowledge someone who felt that they reminded them of their dad.
6-year-old Olivia’s sweet and thoughtful personality impressed Camacho during the event, earning her the red heart balloon. When it was supposed to be a time to enjoy a delectable treat, Olivia and her friend were met with one dilemma: there was only one chocolate cupcake left, and that was Olivia and her friend’s favorite. As a solution, the 6-year-old gave up the cupcake to her friend because she thought she was deserving of it. In addition, Olivia extended her kindness and went out of her way to pick up the donated teddy bears that were spilling out of its box.
“I really like to work with the little ones, because I feel like if you start young, that helps kids to begin to be kind at a very young age, then you build upon that, and hopefully that carries on into adulthood, and that becomes who you are.”
Olivia is a Girl Scout, so she is already known for her community involvement. It was her second event with the non-profit, and she really wanted to put in the effort to receive the red heart balloon as her mother, Christine Amante explains. It was during the first event she attended that she saw her friend earn the red heart balloon, which even motivated her more. “It was almost like an incentive for her to be kinder than she already is,” Amante says. “She is a very sweet little girl, putting other people’s feelings ahead of her own,” she adds. She is usually the first person to support someone else if they are feeling left out or just sitting alone at lunch, her mother explains.
“She has a good organization, and I think it just really teaches kindness first always.”
Howie’s Heart will be hosting a second anniversary celebration at the Franklin Square Library on Feb. 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
