The Hilltop Kiwanis are helping residents display their American pride.
A new fundraiser from the Kiwanis, the Patriotic Pride Project, places flags in front yards on five flag-waving holidays each year.
“We want to help instill some patriotic pride into our area,” said Vicki Malone, president of the Hilltop Kiwanis.
Residents can subscribe to the service and the Kiwanis, along with help of local volunteers, will handle the rest.
Once the subscription is complete, the Kiwanis install a PVC pipe with a plastic cap into the ground where the flag will be located. Just before each designated holiday, a 10-foot pole with a 3-foot by 5-foot flag will be placed in the pipe. They pick the flags up again once the holiday has ended.
It’s up to residents to pick a spot for flag, and to ensure diggers avoid sprinklers and utilities. The capped pipe will set below ground level, so as not to cause damage to lawn equipment. Flags remain the property of the Kiwanis.
The Kiwanis are already taking subscriptions and hope to have a large number of requests for their first flag-waving holiday, Memorial Day. Other holidays included are Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through Sept. 11, and Veteran’s Day.
Malone says the Kiwanis are using this project to reach out to residents who would like to fly a flag, but don’t have the time or ability to set one up.
“A lot of people have good intentions, but it takes a lot of work to display a flag,” said Malone.
She stressed the importance of displaying a flag. “It shows we care about our country. We’re willing to show our support for those people out their fighting for us.”
The project encompasses the entire central Ohio area, but Malone hopes to focus on the Hilltop.
“What a great statement it would make to pull up to Westgate Park and see a sea of flags at the homes around there,” she said.
The Kiwanis aren’t doing this alone. Volunteers from the VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts and other local organizations are pitching in to help put up and take down flags.
Proceeds from the project will aid the Kiwanis in their efforts to help local children.
Subscriptions to the Patriotic Pride Project cost $30 per year.
To request a form or for more information, e-mail hilltopkiwanis@yahoo.com.
