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HERALD
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DEcEmBEr 25 - 31, 2025
What’s
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Vol. 27 No. 52
HERALD PERSON oF thE YEAR JenniFer CAmACho
A movement of kindness in Franklin Square Garage sales all year long with Rescuing Families Inc. Page 3
Jennifer Camacho, co-founder of Howie’s Heart, uplifts her community By Jordan Vallone
Jennifer Camacho wears many hats. A mom, social worker, and co-founder of a Franklin Squarebased nonprofit, Howie’s Heart, she has spent nearly the last two years juggling it all, while giving back to others and keeping her dad’s memory alive. Howie’s Heart was founded in February of 2024 by Camacho and her siblings, James Conklin of New Hyde Park and Melissa Cox of Coram, in honor of their father, Howard Conkhe’s got the lin, who died in December of 2021 at passion, 67. “He was a really great guy,” Camacho she’s got the said. “A big heart — he made everyone drive, and most feel like a friend. Everyone was always welcome in our home. He went out of importantly, his way to do nice things for people, esshe’s got the pecially when they were down on their luck or just really in need.” heart. Referring to her father as a “step up kind of guy,” Camacho added that “los- JaimE ing him was a big loss for our family.” DuckWorth “I always felt like he had a lot more Volunteer with life to live,” she added, “and that we Howie’s Heart, friend kind of were all gypped with him leavof Jen Camacho ing us so soon. We really felt it was important to honor him.” Camacho, a Franklin Square resident, and her siblings, have turned their father’s legacy of kindness into action — organizing community service events and partnering with organizations near and far to make helping others accessible to everyone. As the organization approaches its two-year anniversary, Camacho shared they are on track to complete their 100th community service event. Whether supporting a local family in need, bringing neighbors together for service projects, or collaborating with reputable causes nationwide, Camacho embodies the belief that no project is too small — or too large — when it comes to giving back. For her unwavering efforts to help those in need, spread kindness, and honor the spirit of her father, Camacho has been named the 2025 Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Person of the Year. Throughout the year, Howie’s Heart engages in several initiatives. Some repeat while others come up organically, if it is a
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Citizen of the Year is honored by Assemblyman Ed Ra. Page 9
Pro-wrestlers meet patients at local hospitals. Page 12
For BrEAKING NEWS go to liherald.com
cause Camacho feels is worth supporting. Howie’s Heart has regularly worked with Canine Companions, a national organization that provides expertly trained service dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Volunteers at Howie’s Heart created “dog tugs” which help people and service animals open drawers or carry household items like laundry baskets. Howie’s Heart also frequents local senior homes, providing companionship and friendship to Nassau County’s older populations. Ahead of Halloween, volunteers visited the Plattduetsche Home Society, a senior living community in Franklin Square, and painted mini canvases with residents, while also sharing conversations. Sometimes, Camacho finds a group to support just by combing through social media. One example she pointed to is Coming Up Rosies, a Chicago-based organization that helps kids with hair loss, either because of medical treatments or conditions like alopecia. The organization focuses on helping boost kids’ self-esteem, delivering a head scarf, neck scarf, or superhero cape Continued on page 2 Renee DeLorenzo/Herald file
Jennifer Camacho is the 2025 Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Person of the Year. A Franklin Square resident, she co-founded Howie's Heart with her siblings in honor of their father, dedicated to preserving his passion for kindness.