Amy Paden

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Hello, I’m Amy Paden a resident of Central Kansas. I would like to start off by sharing a little information about myself for I’m no different than most. I am neither a public speaker, nor someone who gets paid for promoting a cause.

I’m a native of Gainesville, Georgia. Most of my childhood years were near the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains and steps from the beautiful Sidney Lake Lanier. At the sprawling age of 17, I moved with family to Central Kansas where I reside today, happily married and the mother of two energetic girls.

I’m just a middle class female who works full time. I work fulltime as a histo-pathology technician and presently seeking my bachelor's degree in General Studies. Along with many others in our community, I too volunteer for my local fire department. I also serve as a Brownie leader, and enjoy writing poems and lyrics, and gathering items for our troops.

When did the project "Hearts of America" actually begin? The project actually began with a cousin of mine whose husband simply requested some small size toys for him and his team to distribute to the Iraqi children. It served as a peace making tool in the sense that my relative felt that "If you win the children over, they’re going to win the parents over." My cousin was hoping to gather a couple of hundred toys to send. That soon changed after sharing the request with me for people throughout Central Kansas too wanted to help! On August 7, 2006 over 4,000 toys were sent to Iraq!

When I’m asked the question, "How and what inspired you to begin a project of this magnitude?" I have to say that the following things were the biggest inspiration for me.

First, it was something that I believed could easily be done when I had spare time with my family. It was something I really believed in and I had no idea how many others would be inspired to join in on the efforts.

Secondly, it’s all about sharing the idea with others. That’s really how the project began its’ collection efforts was by sharing the concept with others – family, friends, co-workers, and those I meet just passing by. The key is most definitely networking! To say the least….it has become something I never dreamt would have been possible.

Thirdly, I would have to say that the 9/11 event certainly made an impact on my way of thinking. I have a greater amount of appreciation than ever before for our troops serving around world and the sacrifices that they and their families have made and continue to make daily. The Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania incident made me realize that my homeland and comfort zones are a blessing and should not be taken for granted. Like most Americans, I do not want terrorism to strike our nation or affect our children daily as it does in so many other countries. In retrospect, Hearts of America allows me to give back to some of those troops in the one way I’m capable of doing.

Many people may not understand why it’s so important for me to continue with this project. I can only say that it is indescribable what an impact this has made toward me. I truly believe that we are appreciated not for just sending items to them in the Middle East, but for letting them know they have not been forgotten. It is important that they know that we certainly appreciate them regardless what our beliefs in politics or religion are. For me and my volunteers it’s rewarding enough to hear from a recipient the words, "thank you" or "please continue to correspond through out my deployment." Once you hear those very words you just can’t turn around and not do something more for them.

During this journey of mine, I have met some incredible people; many have either become volunteers of Hearts of America themselves or recipients of "Hearts of America". During the preliminary efforts of the project, I realized this was something that should be an ongoing effort and just not an overnight collection effort. I am still overwhelmed by how many people continue to give from the heart every day.

In the midst of everything going on, I came to work one day and there waiting on me was a sack of toys from an employee or an acquaintance of another. Enclosed in one of the sacks of toys was a poem. It read:

Untitled

For all holidays past here’s a gift at last. One that I hope you’ll
hold dear for a lot longer than a year.
One so you don’t even dare to start forgetting I care.
One so you know I love [you] much. And limits I don’t know of such.
And to you I dedicate a part of [my] heart.

Author Unknown

This project has become something much deeper than just sending items to our servicemen, women, and Iraqis or Afghans. For one of our volunteers it was an outlet to repay a soldier and a platoon for being there and taking care of her son in his final hours before he died while serving in Iraq. I’m not sure how or where they get their strength to continue on. It's stories like that one that motivate me even more to continue on with this project.

Some people donate monetary amounts in memory or honor of a loved one or friend. Others show their appreciation and support by gathering items too for our troops. That’s why I chose to name the project titled "Hearts of America." People all over just gave from their heart and they still do to this very day! I’ve witnessed it numerous times that people want to help they often times just don’t know how to go about doing it. And that’s what’s so unique with Hearts of America! We are an outlet for anyone who is interested in getting involved in something without being pressured into doing so. Presently, we are a complete volunteer project that requires no membership dues being owed. It is simply a good way of helping others!

Not only does Hearts of America send items such as hygiene items, treats, toys, and special requests, we also try to lift their spirits up. We try to include a movie for the ones serving to watch and then pass on; we include crossword puzzles, magazines, and books for them to read. Prior to sending any packages to a soldier, unit, or individual, they also receive a letter how much they’re appreciated and how we are working for them. It is fun and also comforting for many of them to share pictures of themselves and pictures of the country they’re serving in with us. For many recipients, having that connection can make a long day and a long tour seem a little less stressful.

The volunteers at Hearts of America and I personally encourage you to preview the additional links to learn and hear first hand how your participation can benefit our troops in the Middle East. Thank you and God Bless!

   I have a greater
   amount of appreciation
   than ever before for
   our troops serving
   around world and the sacrifices that they
   and their families
   have made and continue
   to make daily.

   I truly believe that we
   are appreciated not
   for just sending items
   to them in the Middle
   East, but for letting
   them know they have
   not been forgotten.