After surviving a cardiac event and Supraventricular Tachycardia behind the wheel of her car, Denise Martinez said her recovery journey led her to a moment that changed her life — and sparked the mission behind her nonprofit organization, Caring D.A.M. Hearts.

“After surviving a cardiac arrest and SVT — Supraventricular Tachycardia — behind the wheel of my car and recovering, I attended Mental Health Transitions at LVHN for eight weeks,” Martinez said. “One day, I gave Miss Tina, a fellow heart person, a ride home. Her home turned out to be a homeless camp. After being there for just an hour, I came out of there, went home to my family and told them I need to do something for the less fortunate.”

That experience led Martinez to start Warm and Cozy in 2016, collecting coats, hats, scarves and gloves for those facing cold winter conditions. From there, her outreach grew steadily, eventually becoming Caring D.A.M. Hearts — a Lehigh Valley-based 501(c)(3) that provides free clothing, hygiene products and household goods through a “no-price-tag” model.

Today, Martinez supports homeless individuals, veterans, fire victims and low-income residents through the organization’s free store, Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More, located at 241 Lehigh Gap St. in Walnutport. Everything is free to shoppers, a concept that remains rare in the region.

In December 2026, Martinez will mark the 10-year anniversary of launching Caring D.A.M. Hearts, an effort that began in her garage and has grown through community donations and volunteer support.

Along the way, Martinez has received numerous honors for her work. Over the years, she has been recognized as a Hometown Hero by Pocono Raceway and NASCAR, a Good Samaritan by the American Red Cross, and a Holiday Hero by BRC-TV 13, among other awards.

Now, she has been named one of the Morning Call’s “Most Influential People of the Lehigh Valley” for 2026, the latest recognition for the longtime nonprofit leader known for helping individuals and families in need.

“I was in total surprise as I had no idea that my friends had nominated me,” Martinez said. “I am so proud of this award.”

Visitors to the clothing closet are greeted by an atmosphere Martinez describes as calm and welcoming. Volunteers assist shoppers and track basic information, such as county of residence and whether the person is a veteran, homeless, fire victim or returning shopper.

“We are hoping to apply for grants. That’s why we keep track of the demographic for grants,” Martinez said. “There are many grants out there. I do not beg for money. We rely on great people that donate. Our rent and utilities are supported by donations whether it be individuals like in Loving Memory or businesses.”

Martinez said volunteers are essential to keeping the operation running smoothly, and the work goes far beyond handing out clothing.

“Our volunteers are key to our operation. We are always looking for more volunteers,” she said. “There is so much behind the scenes of my plan to help everyone I can that are in need. There are emails, phone calls, donations to be accepted, separating the donated clothes by brand name, vintage, upscale, new with tags, and good quality.”

Some donated items are also set aside to be sold at the Caring Hearts Thrift Boutique at the South Mall and the Caring Hearts Boutique at the Slatington Marketplace, with proceeds helping to support the free Walnutport store.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but I enjoy making everyone I meet to assist them with whatever they need whether it be items or just a place to go,” Martinez said. “We work with six agencies if the person is in need of counseling, housing. I believe in spreading love and kindness always!”

Sharon Messinger of Slatington said she has supported Martinez’s mission since the beginning and continues to rely on the organization’s services.

“I really appreciate the Clothing Closet store. I would be lost without them,” Messinger said. “The volunteers are always very nice and helpful. I can always find what I need.”