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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Over the past several years, Home Builders Care, in partnership with Members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington have collected toys, bicycles, clothing, musical instruments and gift cards that have been distributed to more than 650 Kentucky Guard families.
Operation Military Cheer has become a momentous occasion for the local community and military families needing a little help around the holiday season. This year was no exception.
Sgt. Stephanie Williams and Sgt. 1st Class Charity Lane help load donations from the Home Builders Association in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“In 2011, we started a non-profit here at the Home Builders Association called Home Builders Care. Our involvement in Operation Military Cheer has grown tremendously, especially this year,” said Treasurer Don Sullivan. “It is well worth the work and preparation. This is my Christmas.”
Once the toys were collected at the Home Builders Association in Lexington, they were transported to the “North Pole” at the American Legion Auxiliary in Anderson County. Donations flooded Unit 34, ranging from large corporations to single contributors. Ale 8, Mayfield Academy, The Lexington Church and tenants at Bluegrass Army Depot also took the opportunity to help out.
Once the items were organized by local volunteers, they were sent to 16 armories across the state. From Pikeville to Murray, 148 families, including 379 children, will have a little more to smile about this Christmas.
Child and Youth Programs Coordinator Linda Jones shared their reason for the season, “It not only warms my heart to see all these kids get gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise, but it warms my heart to see fellow military families and the community step up and take care of these kids for Christmas.
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
The Kentucky Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 have spearheaded the drive to serve families in need this holiday season.
On behalf of the State Family Programs Office, we would like to thank everyone for their contributions and sacrifices made to provide help to our families. If you would like to learn more about this program or are a Service member in need of assistance, please call 1-800-372-7601 opt 1.
Courtesy The Anderson News, with contributions by Kentuckyguard.com
Pam Rice receives the 2013 Lewis Hine Award from Jeff Newman, president and executive director of the National Child Labor Committee. (Photo submitted)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Pam Rice, vice president of Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34, recently received a 2013 Lewis Hine Award for Service to Children and Youth in awards presentation held in New York City.
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Rice was honored by the National Child Labor Committee’s award on Jan. 28 for her social activism for the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34, addressing the needs of military children and families and for promoting veterans awareness, according to the press release.
“Named for the acclaimed NCLC photographer who documented early-20th century exploitation of children, the Lewis Hine Awards honor those individuals who, as professionals or volunteers, give of themselves and go the extra mile for the well-being of young people,” according to a press release. “The recipients, who this year hail from as far away as Alaska and as close as New York, are selected by a distinguished panel of judges from among hundreds of nominations submitted each year by business, community and nonprofit leaders.”
Pam Rice was accompanied to the Lewis Hine Award ceremony by Kentucky National Guard Col. Charlie Jones, J-1 director. (Photo submitted)
“Pam Rice believes that you only get back from your community what you are willing to give and that the reward for giving is the self-satisfaction that you have made a positive impact in the lives of others,” according to a release from the Lewis Hine Awards organization. “She lives by this motto everyday while serving as vice president of the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34 for six of the past 15 years, where she has implemented many projects that benefit military families and the community’s youth.”
“Last year alone, through her fund-raising efforts, the Auxiliary was able to donate $60,000 to local and national programs for veterans, families and children. “While serving as president of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, she has been able to connect service organizations to the community on a daily basis. She has paved the way for additional projects including the Kentucky National Guard Military Child Appreciation Day and assisting in filling more than 600 “Hero Back Packs” for the children of deploying service members.”
Rice has mixed feelings about receiving the award. “I’m so grateful to the Kentucky National Guard for nominating me. But it’s not just me. I work with so many great people that care about the National Guard and I’m honored to represent them.”
Rice is no stranger to military life; both her father and son are Navy men. For the past eighteen years she’s been a volunteer with the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
“The military doesn’t get enough recognition for what they do,” said Rice. “When you’re helping them you get back what you give. It can definitely change your life.”
Each of this year’s Lewis Hine Awards honorees will receive a $1,000 award.
