Creekside first-grader Makenna Montgomery carefully draws a picture of a soldier on a bright green card she is making for the Holiday for Heroes campaign. Selecting browns, greens and tans from her collection of Crayola crayons, she colors in a camouflage design on his uniform.

“Merry Christmas!” hovers above the soldier in puffy, red letters. The soldier stands in a wonderland of oversized snowflakes.

Montgomery is one of hundreds of students in Limestone County who is participating in this year’s Holiday for Heroes campaign, a project that encourages citizens from 4 to 94 to make holiday cards for veterans and active duty military.

Founded by the American Red Cross, Dr. Wanda Humphrey, a professor of education at Athens State University, introduced the program to Limestone County three years ago.

“I thought it was something that is a worthwhile effort given that our soldiers sacrifice their lives for our freedom,” Humphrey said. “Giving them holiday cards is something so simple, but makes them feel appreciated.”

Humphrey now serves as the campaign’s director. When she connected with Limestone County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Sisk at a recent Christmas open house, she told him about the project.

Sisk was receptive and agreed to share the idea with the principals in his district.

Several schools have expressed interest, including Creekside Elementary. Cherie Kim’s first-grade class took time away from writing letters to Santa to design holiday cards for those who serve.

Jaylyn Bodie said he was making his card for someone’s “Papa” because his papa is a veteran.

Lincoln Slatter wrote a thank-you message inside the card he had decorated with a picture of Santa Claus.

“It makes me sad that some moms and dads won’t be able to spend Christmas with their kids. I hope they know that we care about them,” Slatter said.

Humphrey said that community members sent in 1,200 cards for the troops last year but expects that number to soar now that the school system is involved.

“We are pleased and honored to be part of the effort to support our troops during this holiday season,” Sisk said.

Still, Humphrey wants to remind the community that the Holiday for Heroes campaign is open to all ages. Cards can be dropped off at the Regions Bank at 201 W. Green St. in Athens through Dec. 12.

“It’s about increasing awareness of the program so that our numbers will grow each year,” Humphrey said. “The more soldiers we show our support to, the better.”

She expects to collect about 2,500 cards this year.

Holiday do’s and don’t’s

A flier published by the American Red Cross asks those participating in the Holiday for Heroes campaign to remember the following:

• Do write a heartfelt, personal message of gratitude and appreciation;

• Do not include personal photos, addresses, phone numbers, emails or social media accounts;

• Do not use an envelope;

• Do not use harsh images or words, and;

• Do not use glitter.