Helping Hands for Little Hearts

Providing Support to Families and Children in Times of Crisis

For over a decade, Amanda Gochneaur has been deeply committed to addressing a critical need — ensuring every child has access to snacks that fuel their learning and growth. One of her favorite places? The Power Snacks Pantry, where shelves are stocked with granola bars, applesauce pouches, and other nourishing staples ready to fuel young minds. 

Amanda and her husband, Graham, lead Helping Hands for Little Hearts, a nonprofit organization based in Flower Mound. Through the Power Snacks Program, they provide snacks to schools, supporting children who might otherwise go without. Their mission is simple but profound — no child should ever be held back by hunger.

“We started in one school serving around 30 students and now are in 30 schools, serving close to 6,000 students monthly,” Amanda said. “From addressing immediate food insecurity to empowering families with resources, we’ve witnessed lives transformed.” The couple is overjoyed every time they look back and see the impact their organization has created over all these years.

“It gives us immense joy knowing that because of our work, a child isn’t going to school hungry, and they have one less obstacle standing in the way of learning and growing. I’m also proud of the relationships we’ve built with schools, community partners, and volunteers,” Amanda added. 

Helping Hands for Little Hearts serves 30 schools in Denton, Lewisville, and Lake Dallas ISDs. Its Power Snacks Program ensures students in these areas can access nutritious snacks and meals to support their health and academic success. The organization’s other programs, Happy Campers and Little Angels, help students with summer camps and holiday gifts. Helping Hands Now is a disaster and crisis relief program.

“The vision for HHFLH is to ensure that no child in our community has to face the challenges of hunger,” Graham said. “We strive to expand our reach to more schools and neighborhoods, focusing on areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and the least access to resources.” 

“Ultimately, we dream of a community where every child feels supported, cared for, and equipped to reach their full potential, with no family left struggling to meet basic needs.” 

When working with community partners, HHFLH prioritizes identifying schools with the highest needs, especially those not already receiving food assistance. The team aims to fill critical resource gaps and create a meaningful, localized impact by concentrating on these schools throughout the year. 

Gochneaur’s kids have been involved in Helping Hands for Little Hearts since the beginning, and they play a big role in the organization’s functioning. They also contribute to creating fun yet meaningful videos on social media, which has boosted HHFLH’s visibility.

“My kids have always had a hands-on approach, whether stocking shelves, helping with deliveries, or brainstorming ideas for content,” the mother of two said. “Both homeschooling and running a nonprofit require a lot of focus and energy. Still, they allow me to contribute to my family and community in ways
that matter deeply.” 

Helping Hands for Little Hearts is a 100% volunteer-run organization. A dedicated team of 25 volunteers has strongly supported the founders to significantly change the lives of thousands of kids in the community. 

“Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do, and their commitment ensures that we can continue to grow and reach those who need us most. Helping Hands wouldn’t exist without the countless hours, dedication, and generosity of the volunteers who make everything possible.” Amanda said. 

“Together, we’ve addressed food insecurity in meaningful ways. At the same time, we know there’s still more to be done,” Graham said. “Food insecurity continues to affect many families in our area, and we’re committed to reaching those who need us most. We can’t do this alone, though. That’s why we’re inviting everyone in our community to join us, whether by contributing your time and resources or simply spreading the word about our mission.”

“I also envision HHFLH as a place where families come together — not just to receive help, but to be part of the solution,” Amanda said. “By encouraging volunteerism and community involvement, we can foster a culture of giving back, where helping others becomes a shared value across generations.”

For more information, visit hhflh.org