MISSION – The Hero Kids Foundation’s aim is to provide a multidisciplinary approach to promote and support Military & First Responders children, together with the whole family, utilizing animal-assisted therapies along with nature based activities. We strive on building hope, confidence, and self-worth. Hero Kids Foundation is dedicated to serving those who serve at home & enriching families to connect, restore, and thrive.
Support Military Families with a Vehicle Donation
When someone serves in uniform, the whole family carries part of that weight. Children may feel the stress of long hours, sudden changes, deployments, trauma, or a parent coming home different than before.
Hero Kids Foundation creates space for those families to reconnect, breathe, and feel supported. Through animal-assisted experiences, nature-based activities, and family-centered programs, this military children nonprofit gives young people and their loved ones a place to restore confidence, connection, and hope.
Who They Are & What They Do
Hero Kids Foundation is a Suffolk, Virginia-based 501(c)3 veteran charity serving military, first responder, and law enforcement families. While its work centers on children, the mission reaches the whole family. The goal is to give those who serve at home a place to connect, restore, and thrive.
This isn’t a traditional classroom program or a one-time family outing. Hero Kids Foundation uses nature, animals, movement, and shared experiences to build resilience in a way that feels safe and memorable for kids. Its programs are designed to strengthen communication, family bonds, confidence, and self-worth.
- Animal-assisted experiences: Hero Kids Foundation uses animal-assisted therapies and farm-based interaction to create calming, meaningful experiences for children and families
- Equine scholarships: The organization has provided more than 100 equine scholarships, giving families access to horse-centered therapeutic support
- GLOBE nature-based activities: Families take part in raised gardens, harvesting crops, team-building, and nature-focused activities designed to strengthen communication and family dynamics
- Family surf camp: In partnership with VB Surf Sessions, families can join one-day surf experiences at Croatan Beach in Virginia Beach, with instruction, lunch, and time to connect in a supportive setting
- Kayaking excursions: Families can explore Rudee Inlet in single or tandem kayaks, giving them a peaceful outdoor experience together
- Family, animal, and nature center support: Donor funds also go toward family care, animal care, and the growth of the organization’s nature center
The Need They’re Filling
Military and first responder families often carry stress most people never see. Children may deal with long separations, sudden schedule changes, worry, trauma in the household, or the emotional weight of having a parent in a high-risk role.
That kind of pressure affects the entire family. Communication may feel harder. Confidence can dip. Kids may need safe, steady places where they can open up, move their bodies, spend time outdoors, and feel grounded again.
The need is measurable, too. In the 2024 Military Teen Experience Survey, only 8% of military teens reported high mental well-being, while 35% reported low mental well-being. That kind of strain helps explain why supportive, family-centered spaces matter so much for military-connected children.
That’s where Hero Kids Foundation steps in. The organization uses animals, nature, outdoor activities, and family-focused experiences to create connection in a way that feels less clinical and more natural.
Your Car Donation for Veterans in Action
Through Veteran Car Donations, an unwanted vehicle turns into funding for Hero Kids Foundation’s nature-based and animal-assisted programs for children and families connected to military, first responder, and law enforcement service.
We’ll sell your donation and use the proceeds to fund:
- Horse-centered experiences: Programs that build confidence, trust, and calm
- Surf and kayak activities: Outdoor adventures that let families move, laugh, and reconnect
- GLOBE nature-based activities: Gardening, harvesting, team-building, and communication-focused experiences
- Family and animal care needs: Practical resources that keep the foundation’s programs running
The process takes just a few minutes. Share your vehicle details, schedule free pickup, and we’ll handle the paperwork. Your donation qualifies as a tax deductible vehicle donation, and the proceeds fund programs that give families more room to reconnect, reset, and feel grounded again.
Why Hero Kids Foundation?
What sets Hero Kids Foundation apart is its focus on the family behind the service. Kids in military, first responder, and law enforcement households may grow up around stress, sacrifice, and uncertainty that many people never notice.
Instead of treating family support like an afterthought, this military children nonprofit puts kids and their loved ones at the center. Its animal-assisted and nature-based programs create room for confidence, connection, communication, and emotional resilience.
The organization has a clear track record as well. Hero Kids Foundation reports 1,500+ families served, 115+ equine scholarships given, and 10+ years of work with military, first responder, and law enforcement families. Those numbers show a mission with real reach, not just good intentions.
Hero Kids Foundation is also a recognized 501(c)3 veteran charity based in Suffolk, Virginia. For donors, that means your support goes toward a trusted nonprofit with a specific, family-centered mission.
Ready to Give Families a Reason to Breathe Easier?
Your vehicle donation gives military, first responder, and law enforcement families time to breathe, reconnect, and feel like a team again. Through Hero Kids Foundation’s animal-assisted and nature-based programs, the proceeds fund steady, restorative experiences for children and families carrying the weight of service.
Ready to donate your vehicle to Hero Kids Foundation? Fill out our online form or call (877) 594-5822. We’ll tow your vehicle for free, handle the paperwork, and send your tax receipt after your vehicle is processed.
FAQs
What does Hero Kids Foundation do?
Hero Kids Foundation creates outdoor, animal-assisted experiences that give kids and families a chance to breathe, bond, and feel more like themselves again.
Their programs include equine experiences, family surf camp, kayaking excursions, GLOBE nature-based activities, and hands-on time with animals and nature. The goal is to build confidence, communication, self-worth, and stronger family connection – without making the experience feel heavy or clinical.
Who does Hero Kids Foundation serve?
Hero Kids Foundation serves children and families connected to the military, first responder, and law enforcement communities. Many of these families deal with stress, separation, demanding schedules, trauma, or big life adjustments.
The foundation creates welcoming spaces where kids can spend time with animals, get outdoors, and build confidence in a way that feels natural.
How does my car donation support Hero Kids Foundation?
Your donation funds programs that bring children, parents, animals, and nature together in a meaningful way. For Hero Kids Foundation, that means horse-centered experiences, family adventures, nature-based learning, and care for the animals involved in their work.
Your unused vehicle turns into something a military child remembers for the right reasons – a day with horses, time outdoors, a stronger family connection, or a moment where life feels lighter.
Is my vehicle donation tax deductible?
Yes, your vehicle donation to Hero Kids Foundation through Veteran Car Donations is 100% tax deductible. Hero Kids Foundation is a recognized 501(c)3 veteran charity, tax-exempt since September 2014 with EIN 46-3993070, and Veteran Car Donations will provide the paperwork after your vehicle is sold.
How do I donate my car to benefit Hero Kids Foundation?
Fill out the online form at veterancardonations.org or call (877) 594-5822. Free pickup will be arranged at a time and location that works for you. After your vehicle is sold and proceeds are distributed to Hero Kids Foundation, you’ll receive the tax receipt for your records.