2nd Annual HEART of the Red, White & Blue Military Drive

Townsquare Media-Texarkana has partnered up with Farmers Bank & Trust to kick off the 2^nd Annual HEART of the Red, White & Blue military care package drive. The care package drive is going on now through Veterans Day, November 11. The bank is collecting items to send to deployed troops.

Last year, soldiers received a little treat from home and enjoyed the care package items that lasted for up to two weeks.

“When we got them, it really boosted our morale,” U.S. Army Specialist Amber Baker said in a press release. “Being overseas without family and little resources made you feel so far from home. These care packages with the goodies, letters, and other supplies brightened everyone’s day. You can tell they were made with love. To know we have that much support back home means so much while deployed.”

This drive became a bank-wide community project when two employees, Chelsy Short and Katie Burkett, who have family and friends serving overseas, came up with the idea.

“It’s like when you hear a song and it takes you to a place and time in life, when you receive a small sentimental token of appreciation and love (a simple piece of candy perhaps) and you’re briefly transported back home because someone took the time to care,” Retired Army Sergeant First Class Jason Mitchell said.

Anyone can drop off items for the care packages at any Farmers Bank & Trust location in Malvern, Texarkana, Camden, Hope, Magnolia and New Boston. Cash donations will also be accepted. One complete care package only cost $20 to fill.

“This bank-wide community project fits with the Farmers Bank & Trust HEART core values and giving mission,” Farmers Bank & Trust CEO Chris Gosnell said. “We want the men and women who have chosen to serve our country to know they are appreciated, and we haven’t forgotten the sacrifice they’ve made.”

Suggested Items to donate include things like Slim Jims, crackers, chips, Little Debbie cakes, Crystal Light drink packets, baby wipes, Gold Bond powder, bug spray, sunscreen, soap, dental kits, playing cards, board games, etc. Please refrain from dropping off cans or heavy items.

Farmers Bank & Trust is proud to partner with Townsquare Media radio stations Kicker 102.5, Power 95.9, Eagle 106.3, Majic 93.3, and KOSY 790 AM.