Mayor Paul Finley presents his “We Love Our Military Month” proclamation to Rick King, volunteer with Madison Church of Christ. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – For “We Love Our Military Month,” residents can donate numerous, everyday essentials for ‘spring care packages’ headed to deployed soldiers defending the United States’ freedom.

Mayor Paul Finley approved a proclamation for “We Love Our Military Month” during Madison City Council’s Feb. 13 meeting. Rick King accepted the proclamation as Coordinator of Military Ministry for congregation members at Madison Church of Christ, who are collecting donations for military personnel.

Finley’s proclamation states, “… The freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are direct results of the bloodshed and continued vigilance given by the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation …”

“Madison Church of Christ, Hughes Road, has elected to lead an annual community service project … to show appreciation to members of the United States Armed Forces members by collecting items to be packed and sent in spring care packages to (soldiers) deployed throughout the world,” Finley wrote in the proclamation.

“We hope all businesses and schools in Madison will get involved by displaying flags, donating funds towards care packages and donating items,” church volunteer Molly King said.

Mike Kersjes is coordinating donations with schools. Kersjes serves as Military Student Transition Consultant for Huntsville City Schools and volunteers for Madison City Schools, King said.

Kersjes has arranged for the following schools to collect items and write letters for the care packages: Madison – Heritage and Mill Creek elementary schools and Liberty Middle School; and Huntsville — Williams and Whitesburg elementary schools and Williams Middle School.

In addition, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts throughout North Alabama made cards, wrote letters and created “My Hero Certificates” for care packages during ScoutReach Cultural Activities Day at Alabama A&M University on Feb. 11.

The soldiers can use everyday supplies, such as candy, gum and snacks; canned fruits and meat; playing cards and board games; lip balm and lotions; nuts and beef jerky; flavor packets for water; crossword puzzles, pens and pencils; and wet wipes.

Residents can bring donations to Madison Church of Christ, 556 Hughes Road (or mail monetary donations to that address). Make checks to “Madison Church of Christ.”

For more information, call 256-772-3911.