Denise Martinez, founder and CEO of Caring DAM Hearts, began with a simple idea: too many people in the community were going without.

She launched “Project Warm and Cozy” out of her garage, collecting donations of hats, gloves, scarves and coats. The first giveaway was held at the Slatington Trailhead, where items were placed in plastic bags and hung up for anyone in need. Her goal, she said, was to spread love and kindness.

As donations poured in, the event outgrew its original location and moved to Victory Park in Slatington, where it is now in its fifth year.

In 2016, Martinez opened the Caring DAM Hearts Thrift Shop on Route 873 in Slatington. The shop offered free clothing for men, women, children and babies, along with donated hygiene products — all at no cost.

When the property was sold, however, the new landlord raised the rent.

“We just could not afford the increase,” Martinez said. “I was on Route 22 when I got a text message from the landlord about the increase. I pulled over. I was stunned. I got on Facebook to anyone who might have a place to lease.” Slatington borough granted permission for the organization to temporarily relocate to the Vigilant Fire Company while searching for a permanent home. But before the move was necessary, Martinez spotted a for-lease sign at 241 Lehigh Gap St. in Walnutport — the group’s new home.

“It is absolutely amazing! We have so much more space for all of our donations,” she said. “Like I always say, when one door closes, another opens.”

Caring DAM Hearts celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 11 at the Walnutport location. A large crowd attended the event, hosted by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber.

Caitlin Hamlin-Myers of the chamber said, “We are so excited to be here with Caring DAM Hearts as they celebrate their grand opening here in beautiful Walnutport. For nearly a decade, Caring DAM Hearts has operated free clothing closets and community stores where everything is offered at no cost, living out their mission, ‘Enter as strangers, leave as friends.’ ”

Hamlin-Myers said the new, fully accessible facility allows the organization to serve even more neighbors with dignity and comfort, offering expanded space for donations and a welcoming environment.

“Through meaningful partnerships and a deep commitment to community, Caring DAM Hearts continues to make a lasting impact across the Lehigh Valley,” she said.

Hamlin-Myers also thanked chamber members and local officials in attendance, including Palmerton Mayor Bo Rodrigues and representatives from the offices of state Sen. Nick Miller and U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.

Martinez also addressed the crowd during the ceremony.

“I am absolutely thrilled to see so many familiar faces, community leaders and support here tonight,” she said. “When I started Caring Hearts in 2016 the mission was simple, but urgent! We provide help and hope to homeless, less fortunate and veterans and to anyone down on their luck. We are honestly here for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves to walk out of their home feeling confident and warm, regardless of their financial situation.”

Martinez continued, “Caring Hearts was created to be a helping hand — a place where you can find clothing, small household items, hygiene products and encouragement, along with no price tags. This new space allows us to serve more people and offer a better shopping experience for our Neighbors-in-Need! To our community donors, thank you for your gently used donations which are the backbone to our inventory.”

Martinez explained that donated items are also sold at the Caring Hearts Thrift Boutique at the South Mall and at a location inside the Slatington Marketplace on Route 873 to help cover utility costs for the new building.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible and to our partners Rentschler’s Automobile Dealership and Krause Toyota,” she said.

“As we officially open our doors today, I invite you all to look around and see the love and care that has gone into this space. Moving forward, we are excited to expand our hours and hopefully partner with local groups to host special events. We are looking for more volunteers to join us in this mission. Together we can make sure nobody in our community goes without,” Martinez said. “Finally, I want to say that this is more than a closet, it’s a place where love is given free and everyone is welcome!”

Caring DAM Hearts Closet is open from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

On opening day, 70 customers visited the new location and received 895 pieces of clothing and household items. Martinez said the need has grown significantly. Last year, the organization averaged about 1,000 pieces distributed per week.

Martinez was recently honored with the 2025 Hero Award from Blue Ridge Communications News 13 and was named one of the most influential people in the Lehigh Valley by The Morning Call.