For families that have a child with autism, it can be difficult to find services and activities that cater to individuals with special needs. David Evans, Owner of Evans Ace Hardware in Hamilton, Montana, noticed a need in his own community, so he got involved with fundraising and helping the local autism center called HEARTism.

"We have some very close autistic ties in our family, including my own son and my cousin's child," said David. "Both are very high functioning on the spectrum, but they both need something more than they would get in an average normal environment."

David discovered the HEARTism Community Center, a certified autism center in Hamilton. The facility was started by families in the community who banded together to create a welcoming place for special needs individuals, with a roster of activities from art classes to bowling.

Unfortunately, in 2023 the building where the center was located was sold, forcing an unexpected move for HEARTism to a new facility. David and his team at Ace were able to help with the move by providing a new refrigerator and other supplies for the kitchen. David also hosted HEARTism at an awareness and fundraising event at his store.

"We've grown to support over 50 families, and just in the last few months our art classes have doubled," said Jessica Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of HEARTism. "The great thing about Evans Ace Hardware is that they reached out to us. And their support has been consistent year after year."

In addition to supporting local organizations like HEARTism, David also looks for opportunities to support businesses like Bubba's Bundles and Firestarter. Bubba's is run by Chris and Gary Mosser. Gary's son Chris is on the autism spectrum. He helped Chris start a firewood kindling business so he would have a job after high school. Evans Ace is one of Chris's biggest customers.

"Stores like Evans Ace really embraced it, and they opened their doors for him. Now Chris has a successful and lucrative business," said Gary Mosser.

Every month, David hosts a BBQ event at his Ace store to help raise awareness and donations for local nonprofit community organizations.

"I feel it's important to be in a leadership position as far as taking care of one another," said David. "These are our neighbors. And I feel like as long as you're human, and as long as you're friendly, you have a place at Ace."