Community project warms hands, hearts

A local man's community outreach has stretched to other states and even to another country.

Student Transportation of America school van driver Hank Martin has trouble finding the words to describe the feeling he gets when doing a good deed, but his employer had no problem recognizing the Altoona Area School District driver for his community contributions.

Founder and president of Project Winter Warmth, Martin was named a 2009 STA Hero at the company's national awards program in October for his dedication to the project.

The company made a $1,000 donation to the project.

"I can't even describe the feeling in words," Martin said of receiving the recognition. "I was totally surprised."

Martin's commitment has inspired drivers in other regions who have begun similar programs in New Jersey, California and Ontario, Peter J. Pearson, chief operating officer for the company's Central Region, said in a news release.

"STA emphatically applauds work like Hank's, and we do everything we can to support it," Pearson said.

In its 19th year, Project Winter Warmth matches area children with chaperones. Then they all meet at the Jaffa Shrine Center and head out to J.C. Penney Co. in the Logan Valley Mall on a Fullington bus to shop for winter clothing.

The nonprofit program, which also gives the kids lunch and a toy, became an independent organization in 1992, Martin said.

This year's shopping trip will take place Dec. 12 and help about 110 children.

Martin spends the shopping day running around and doesn't know how he'd pull off the project without his wife, Rose, he said.

She feels similarly about him.

"Oh, my God, are you kidding?" she said when asked if she was proud of her husband. "I can't even imagine one day in my life without him."

Her husband deserved the recognition, Rose Martin said. The project is a family affair with their son and daughter also helping.

Over the years, Martin has had some memorable moments with the children the project helps.

He remembered one girl who cried for wrapping paper, and after searching throughout the mall, Martin was able to produce the important finishing touch to the girl's gifts from the program.

When he asked her why, Martin said she told him, "Because I was afraid I wouldn't have any gifts wrapped underneath my tree."

He would never forget those words, he said.

He also can't forget the child who appeared abused and confessed, "My daddy pinched my nose," Martin recalled the child saying.

Through the sad moments and the funny ones, Martin and the project crew have one focus.

"It's all about the kids," Martin said. "Nobody wants to see a child not have Christmas."

Martin's dedication and enthusiasm are contagious, and he is an inspiration to other drivers and company terminals, Altoona Student Transportation Inc. general manager Dana Vinglish said.

Martin is worthy of some pride closer to home, too.

"We're definitely proud of him here in Altoona," she said.

Mirror Staff Writer Amanda Clegg is at 949-7030.