"Camp Hometown Heroes" receives a boost from Aaron Rodgers' latest "It's Aaron" video
GRAFTON (WITI) -- Aaron Rodgers won big again Saturday, January 31st when he was named the Associated Press' NFL Most Valuable Player. But it's not his feats on the field that have one group of fans calling him a hero. This, after a new video was released last week showing him supporting children who have lost a loved one in the military.
It was the moment of a lifetime. Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers surprised four children who are part of "Camp Hometown Heroes." They're kids who lost their fathers while they were serving in the military.
"Since 9/11 tragically there`s been 5,000 U.S. children who have lost a parent who have served in the U.S military and we desired a place where children can come from all around the country and speak openly about their experiences," Camp Hometown Heroes co-founder Neil Willenson said.
Willenson says such a loss can turn a child's world upside down.
"The sense of isolation that kids of fallen service members can feel is very profound and palpable, so to come to a place where children understand is really liberating. They leave camp knowing they are loved and cared about and that they have a brighter future," Willenson said.
Children from all over the country come to camp and experience a free week of fun and recreation, and there's also time to deal with their grief.
"We provide healing activities, art therapy," Willenson said.
When four children from Camp Hometown Heroes met Aaron Rodgers, they showed off a quilt they made at camp. Each child was able to write a message to the one they've lost on a quilt square. Messages like these:
"I miss you Dad, and I just wish I had more time with you to hang out."
"Dad, I miss you so much. It's been Crazy. I wish you could be here with us today. Miss you."
Rodgers' "It's Aaron" campaign is helping to shine a light on Camp Hometown Heroes. Rodgers and Milwaukee attorney David Gruber teamed up for the campaign to bring awareness to groups and individuals who are changing the world. The latest "It's Aaron" video aired last Wednesday, January 28th.
"Just in the last three days, we've received $18,000 in cash contributions from 100 different donors across the country," Willenson said.
For these kids, every dollar makes a difference. Since the "It's Aaron" video aired, the waiting list for the program has gotten lengthy. More than 130 kids are registered for Camp Hometown Heroes, and another 60-70 are on that waiting list.
The goal is to raise over a quarter of a million dollars.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Camp Hometown Heroes, or to make a donation.