About HRTS
Supporting students in Sterling since 2020
Fighting Child Hunger in Sterling, One Weekend at a Time
For hundreds of students in Sterling, the school week doesn't just provide an education; it provides dependable meals. When school closes on Friday, that support isn't available again until Monday morning.
HRTS is a 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit founded in 2020, dedicated to helping local students have the nutritious food and warm clothing they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Through partnerships with Sterling-area schools, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers, we provide weekend meals to more than 300 students every week during the school year and distribute more than 400 new winter coats each year.
HRTS (pronounced "hearts") reflects what our volunteers demonstrate every day: neighbors helping neighbors with compassion, dignity, and care.
We believe no child should have to choose between learning and hunger.
Our Mission
We meet hunger with heart. Delivering food and care to children and families in Sterling while empowering long-term community well-being.
Our Vision
We envision a community where no child goes hungry and every neighbor is supported with dignity.
Together with our volunteers, donors, schools, and community partners, we're building that future, one meal, one coat, and one child at a time.
Our Impact
Every year, HRTS helps hundreds of Sterling students by providing essential support when they need it most.
300+ students receive weekend meal bags each week during the school year.
400+ new winter coats are distributed annually to Sterling students.
14 Schools in Sterling supported by HRTS programs throughout the year.
HRTS is 100% community volunteer-powered.
How We Help
Backpack Buddies
For many children, weekends mean losing access to school breakfasts and lunches.
Through our Backpack Buddies program, HRTS provides weekend meal bags filled with nutritious, shelf-stable foods that are easy for students to prepare with minimal ingredients or assistance at home. Every bag is thoughtfully packed to provide practical meals that help bridge the gap until students return to school on Monday.
We continually listen to feedback from school family liaisons to ensure we're providing foods that meet the needs and preferences of the families we serve.
Winter Coat Drive
A warm winter coat does more than protect against the cold. It helps children stay healthy, attend school comfortably, and focus on learning instead of the weather.
Each year, HRTS provides more than 400 new winter coats to students in Sterling, helping children arrive at school warm, healthy, and ready to learn.
Our Partner Schools
HRTS partners directly with school family liaisons and staff who identify students and families that would benefit from additional support. This trusted partnership ensures resources reach the children who need them most while protecting each family's privacy and dignity.
Backpack Buddies Weekend Meal Program Partner Schools:
Potowmack ES, Lowes Island ES, Horizon ES, Algonkian ES, River Bend MS, and Potomac Falls HS.
Winter Coat Drive Partner Schools: Forest Grove ES, Guilford ES, Potowmack ES, Rolling Ridge ES, Sterling ES, Sully ES, Sterling MS, W.H. Robey HS, and Park View HS.
"The HRTS Backpack Buddies program provides students and families with essential food support over weekends and school breaks, ensuring children have nutritious meals when school meals aren't available.
The program reduces food insecurity, helps students stay focused and ready to learn, eases financial stress on families, and strengthens the connection between schools and their communities."
- Brian Blubaugh, Principal of Algonkian Elementary School
Our Leadership
HRTS is led by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to ensuring every child in Sterling has the food and support they need to thrive.
Board of Directors
Kate luke
HRTS Co-chairperson
Nikki Smith Acierto
HRTS Co-chairperson
Hilary Hultman-Lee
Backpack Buddies Coordinator
Dan Robertson
Finance
*Rev. Rob Merola - Honorary Board Member
Advisory Team
Miriam Turner, Office Support
Wendy Filler, Finance
Kathleen Bellamy, Marketing & Communications
Sonia Ballinger
Nancy Coffey
Kristin Drummond
Tom O'Neill
Interested in serving on the Board or a committee?
We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at info@hrtsterling.org
Join the HRTS Community
Every weekend meal packed. Every winter coat donated. Every volunteer hour. Every gift.
Together, these acts of kindness help ensure Sterling students have the food and support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Whether you donate, volunteer, organize a food drive, or become a community partner, you can make a lasting difference in the life of a local child.
Ready to make a difference?
Employees from GAP Solutions at a Backpack Buddies Team Packing Event