Video Story
Watch VideoKnights of Heroes helps kids who've lost a father to war
Story By: Mark Hanrahan
Source: KOAA
Published Sun May 25, 2008, 06:59 PM MDT
Updated Mon May 26, 2008, 04:39 PM MDT
They’ve all lost a father to war, now a local non-profit wants to send them to summer camp to help them heal. The Knights of Heroes started the camp last year in Elbert County, with kids from across the nation. Founding member Eric Eaton says, “For some kids it’s the first time they’ve just been able to king of let loose and enjoy themselves since their father passed.”
It’s a place that none of the kids ever wanted to be, but a place that organizers say is making a difference. Eaton says, “We saw some of the kids being able to talk to each other and instances where I don’t think they’ve had the opportunity to talk to anyone.”
While at the camp the kids are paired up with ‘mentors’ who teach them how to do things like fish and ride a horse. The camp also allows them to meet other kids in similar situations.
Last year, the organization raised enough money to pay for 16 kids to attend the camp. This year they’re expecting more than double that, plus some mothers. The only problem is they’re still trying to raise the money for airfare; the camp is less than a month away. Eaton says, “We need all the donations we can in order to support the organization for what we’re doing.”
That’s where the north side Hub Car Wash comes in. “A lot of the reason I can do what I can do is a result of the sacrifices these guys make (referring to the children’s fathers),” said car wash owner Rich Wilcox. He heard about the Knights of Heroes through a friend and decided to donate all of his profits from Monday’s (Memorial Day) sales to the organization.
Wilcox says, “I feel very strongly that I should give back in some way and I can’t help those who are dead but I can certainly help their families.”
If you are unable to make it to the car wash, you can also donate to the Knights of Heroes organization through its website.
