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By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

Local kids with an artistic flair have the chance to spread holiday cheer to America’s fighting forces.

Peachtree City-based World Airways is asking school children in Fayette and Coweta counties to contribute original artwork to decorate the cabins of airplanes bringing U.S. military personnel home from the Middle East for the holidays.

The holiday program, billed “We Give Thanks to Our Troops,” continues through December. Students are asked to create letter-size (8.5 by 11) pictures illustrating the theme, or “Words of Thanks,” including strength, pride, courage and protection.

The first round of artwork was collected last week, but two more deadlines have been set before Christmas, on Friday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 17.

Artwork will be collected and picked up by World employees at participating schools, or it may be dropped off at World Airways headquarters, 101 World Drive, Peachtree City, across from the Kedron Village Kroger.

World is the largest contract carrier of U.S. military personnel, and will again transport thousands of troops home for the holiday season.

“This art program was extremely popular with U.S. military personnel when we first did it in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Randy Martinez, World’s president and CEO. “Pictures created by children were taped throughout the aircraft, and soldiers were so pleased they asked if they could take them home. Many of them asked World Airways crews to sign the artwork.”

Found in 1948, World Airways relocated to Peachtree City in the late 1990s from Washington, D.C. It is a U.S.-certificated air carrier providing customized transportation services for major international cargo and passenger carriers, the United States military and international leisure tour operators. World operates a fleet of 16 wide-body aircraft.

CUTLINE:

World Airways is collecting artwork from students in Fayette and Coweta counties to place aboard planes bringing U.S. military personnel home for the holidays. Here, soldiers admire some of the drawings displayed on a flight in 2003. Photos/Specical