Republican Women group donates flags to schools

When Betty Farmer, president of the DeSoto County Republican Women, rides by a DeSoto County School, she will look up and see a new American flag flying.

The DeSoto County Republican women have worked to earn 42 crisp, new U.S. flags and have donated them to the school district.

Farmer presented the flags to Jerry Darnell, DeSoto County Schools’ chief academic officer over elementary schools, at their recent meeting.

The flags have all flown at the U.S. Capital in Washington, and were purchased through U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly’s office. All flags come with an official document telling when they were flown.

“This is a great organization that offers women of all ages the opportunity to learn about local, state and national politics,” Farmer said.

“In the past our organization has provided about 10 flags to DCS but the DCRW executive board wanted to work to earn one for every school.”

“Because of wind, there is a need in our school system to continually upgrade the flags we have flying at our schools. This is an on-going program. I thank you for your generous contribution this year, and hope this is a tradition you will continue,” said Darnell. “Our parents and citizens do not like to see a flag that is not in good shape.”

To provide DCS 42 high quality flags cost the Republican women approximately $900. They raise their funding through their annual Christmas banquet which will be held Dec. 12 at First Choice Catering in Horn Lake.

Tickets may be purchased from Betty Farmer at 901-417-3213. They also fund the Palmer Home, the ARC Northwest Mississippi, and support political candidates.

“This is a wonderful gift to our school district, and we do appreciate it very much,” Darnell added.

The DeSoto County Republican Women, now in its 26th year and a sister organization to the DCRC, meets the third Thursday of every month at the Southaven library.