Hardin Valley donates to vets
The local American Legion spearheaded the effort, which ran through November, asking for donations of small throw blankets, toiletries, sweat shirts and sweat pants, pajamas, undergarments, bath towels and socks for both men and women.
Hardin Valley overwhelmingly responded, collectively gathering more than 300 items, which included blankets hand-made by a local Boy Scout troop — all of which were presented Dec. 2 to Bill Polander of the American Legion.
Polander annually collects donations and items through his work with American Legion, but reported on seeing an overall decline in both cash and item donations.
Community leader Kim Frazier learned of the needs earlier this year after meeting Polander at a Corryton Community Club meeting.
She engaged in an effort to connect the two communities by reaching out to several Hardin Valley community partners and asking for their help.
“I feel a responsibility to take care of those who fought for my freedoms and this is just one small, but impactful, way that communities can come together for a common purpose — to serve our veterans,” Frazier said.
Donations were presented to Polander, a Vietnam veteran, who delivered the items to the Ben Atchley Home.
Drop off locations were at State Farm Hardin Valley, Hard Knox Pizzeria Hardin Valley, Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley, Hardin Valley Academy and Regions Bank, Hardin Valley.
Coming in first place for donations at HVA were coding students under business teacher Jennifer Miles.
Several car loads of items
