BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Big heart for veterans

By Margot Martin, age 9 | June 1, 2016

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Margot Martin, a third grader at River Oaks Elementary, started a foundation that benefits Camp Hope in Houston.

"You have the power to make the world a better place,” my parents have always told me.

My name is Margot Martin. I’m in third grade at River Oaks Elementary. This year I started a foundation called Hearts for Hope that benefits Camp Hope in Houston, an organization that provides support for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

At school we have a huge celebration for veterans on Veterans Day each year. I began to wonder what I could do for veterans who needed help. How could I make the world a better place? We call it “community action” at ROE.

I decided I would start a foundation and make crayon hearts to raise money for our veterans. I peel crayons, break them up and melt them in the oven. When I pop them out, the crayon is in the shape of a heart. Kids can color with the hearts, or they can just be a decoration on display. My parents promised they would support me, but I had to do the work. I had to write a business plan and figure out my costs. We needed hundreds of crayons! (I will always be thankful for the donation of crayons from Mia’s Table.)

I’m so glad that I took this leap to start Hearts for Hope. It’s been hard work. With help from my friends, family and school, I have sold hundreds of hearts and brought awareness to the needs of our veterans. My favorite part is designing the hearts because each one turns out differently.

Camp Hope is located in northwest Houston, and they have housing for veterans to live there. I recently went to Camp Hope to meet the founder, Mr. Gene Birdwell, as well as others who work and live there. I presented Camp Hope with a check for $1,017 from Hearts for Hope. I knew all the hours I spent peeling crayons, creating and packaging hearts was worth it by the way they said thank you.

People often ask what inspired me to take on such a project at the age of 9. Both my grandfathers are veterans and have always inspired me. Going forward, Hearts for Hope will continue selling crayon hearts for our veterans, trying to make the world a better place.

You can find my crayon hearts at Tomfoolery Toys & Books, Imagination Toys & Shoes, Fajita Pete’s and Crystal Children & Teacher Supply.

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