CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Driving around Charlotte, you may have noticed "door charms" popping up everywhere.

These charms may be in the shape of a heart or something seasonal, like a watermelon for summer.

There’s a special meaning behind these door charms, which are created by Charlotte artist Heather Opal.

For the last few years, Opal has created a special collection of paintings and has donated the proceeds from that collection to a family in need.

She calls it the Heart Fund.

A few years ago, through a friend, Opal learned of a family experiencing a devastating loss. She wanted to know how to help, so she prayed.

"I felt this overwhelming message—just lay down on my heart,” she said. “Do what I created you to do.”

This was the start of her Heart Fund.

"And so, every year I’ve done the same thing, where someone has a tragedy and it’s just a goodness of the heart donation,” she said.

Currently, she’s exploring new ways to help the community at large.

Hearts also hold an extra special meaning to Opal.

The first ever heart she drew sits inside a locket from when she was discharged from Duke Pediatric in 2002.

When she was a teenager, Opal was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition that causes her heart rate to sky rocket.

“It's almost like you don’t even feel it beat,” she said.

She had a surgery to fix the problem and she says she hasn’t had an episode since.

Outside of her Heart Fund, Opal paints many different creations, which she ships all across the country.

She hopes to keep spreading the love, one heart at a time.

“The most we can do for people experiencing extreme hardship is show them support,” she said.