Why We Started

In 2020, during the epitome of the pandemic, majority of the world was forced to barricade inside their homes, with little-to-no contact with each other. Families and individuals were forced to isolate and it was very difficult to socialize. Communities across the globe were disconnected more than ever before, and Cedar Park, a once roaring community, was no exception. Despite only being in 7th grade, I wanted to make a change and bring my community back to life. So using cardboard boxes, the neighborhood Facebook group, and some creativity, I created the Heroes Honor Foundation in 2020.

I’ve never had much of an appetite for Halloween, and every year I would go trick or treating just to give all my loot to friends. I wanted to make a better use of the candy, but I was unsure who was actually in need of excess sweets. However, after doing an interview with my uncle - who served in the US Marine Corps - I got my idea. My uncle explained how challenging it was to serve in the Marines, and how they worked nonstop with little break or access to such treats. I figured they could use some extra appreciation, and who doesn’t love candy?

I started my journey in November with some simple Facebook posts using my mom’s phone. The request was simple - if any child has excess Halloween candy they would be willing to share, I would gladly take it and donate it to service members, such as active military personnel, first responders, and veterans. I set up a cardboard box outside my house for donations, and hoped to make a positive impact. The results completely exceeded my expectations. Parents and children around the neighborhood were thrilled to donate, and I had to keep replacing the boxes to make space for new dropoffs. In the end, we donated several hundred pounds and the initiative appeared in the local magazine. The Halloween candy giveback program was so successful that I continued the program again the following year.

The pandemic eventually came to a halt, but the Heroes Honor Foundation didn’t stop. I hosted letter writing events for children to express their graduation, and I made the initiative even bigger year by year. in 2025, the Heroes Honor Foundation has expanded to four officers, created a website, collected several neighborhoods across the city, and partnered with Cedar Valley Middle School. Hitting a personal record of 400 pounds, I’m excited to see where this initiative goes next and I am so thankful for everyone that has supported the Heroes Honor Foundation over the last 5 years.

- Jahan Hafiz, Founder and President