It is easy to forget that there are brave service men and women who are still serving their country in some of the most dangerous spots in the world. Our military remain on duty as the first line of America’s defense in the fight against terrorism.

For Councilwoman Madonna Flood (D-24) their service is the reason why the “Doing Our Part from the Heart” Campaign is an important effort to show that our troops should always be remembered and honored.

“They’re still there. It is easy to forget that they stand ready to serve and protectAs long as there is one solider in need of our help, we will work to help them out and make their tour of duty a little easier,” says the Councilwoman. “It is easy to forget their sacrifice and we must always remember they stand ready to protect us and this is one way to let them know we are thinking about them.”

Valentine’s Day is the official kick off of the “Doing Our Part from the Heart” Campaign. Over the next eight weeks, Flood with the help of the community will collect toiletries, snacks and other items to send to our military. Simple items such as hand sanitizer, eye drops, candy and other personal items make a huge impact for troops serving in remote locations around the world.

“Many of our soldiers do not have access to a PX or a base when they are out in the field. They also have to pay for these extra items. We hope our boxes brighten their day,” says Flood.

It was in 2006 when the Councilwoman first called upon the community to help in this endeavor. She had received a simple letter from her son while he served in Iraq. For Christmas that year, he asked for basic personal items like deodorant, sunscreen and razors. He also asked if it was possible to send enough of those items for the other members of his unit.

“It is quite possible that a family somewhere in our country received a similar letter this past Christmas and that is all the more reason why we all need to be reminded that our service men and women are still out there,” said Flood.

Joining Flood as sponsors of the 2018 campaign are the Okolona Business Association, the Okolona Fire Department, Republic Bank, Scheller’s Fitness and Cycling, PARC and Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service and Wesley Manor. The campaign runs through the end of March.

If you cannot donate items and wish to make cash contributions to help cover the cost of shipping, Republic Bank continues its partnership by setting up an account to accept all monetary donations to cover postage for the items going overseas. Every package cost $17.40 to send. Make sure to note on the check “From the Heart” account at these locations:

Outer Loop           4808 Outer Loop, 40219
Shepherdsville      438 Hwy 44, Shepherdsville 40165
Corporate             601 W Market St, 40202
Brownsboro Rd     4921 Brownsboro Rd, 40222
J-Town                  3811 Ruckreigel Pkwy, 40299
Dixie                      5250 Dixie Hwy, 40216

“Every year, I am amazed at the outpouring of support from our community for this effort. I thank you and more importantly those who dedicate themselves to the service of our country also thank you,” said Flood.

Here is a list of items needed that can be dropped off at a “Doing Our Part” location:

• Chewing Gum/Mints/Lifesavers/other candies that will not melt
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Foot Powder
• Razors
• Body Wash
• Bandaids
• Q-Tips
• Bug Repellant with DEET
• Eye Drops
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet Ones
• Kool-aide or Gatorade individual packs
• Peanut Butter
• Individual snacks, chips, nuts, pretzels
• Neosporin
• Sun Block/After Sun lotion
• Nasal Spray
• Tylenol/Pain Relievers

Here are the drop-off locations for the 2018 Doing Our Part from the Heart Campaign;

• Republic Bank    “From the Heart Account” at all Republic Banks
• Okolona Fire Department    8501 Preston Highway, Louisville
• Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling
  • 8323 Preston Highway, Louisville
  • 11520 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
  • 1000 Veterans Parkway, Clarksville
• Jackson-Hewitt Tax Preparers
  • All Locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana
• Wesley Manor   5012 East Manslick Road Louisville, Ky, 40219
• City Hall  601 West Jefferson, Louisville

For more information about the 2018 “Doing Our Part from the Heart” Campaign, contact Councilwoman Flood’s office at 574-1124.  You can visit the Councilwoman’s webpage at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-24 or go to “Doing our Part From the Heart” on Facebook.