Beech Tree News Network

Butler County's  Driver’s License office was presented a large tin of gourmet popcorn by the Trust For Life in appreciation of above average participation in the state's organ donor awareness program during National Donate Life Month in April.

"Thanks to the Melissa and all of the deputy clerks, more Kentuckians will know about the life-saving mission of organ donation,” explained Executive Director, Shelley Snyder. “The popcorn is a fun way to say thank you for the important work they do every day in the Circuit Clerks’ office.”  73 driver’s license offices, out of 144 across Kentucky, were recognized with a large tin of popcorn.

The Trust For Life is a separate, 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness about donation.  It was created by the Circuit Clerks in 1992.  “We answer questions, teach the truth about donation and encourage everyone to say ‘YES’ when they get their license.  Every ‘YES’ gives hope to patients on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant,” says Snyder.  The Trust For Life encourages organ donation so that dads, like Ryan Buffington in Lexington, will spend another Father’s Day with his children.  Ryan’s kidney & pancreas transplant in 2014 has been a new beginning for their family.  His wife, Brigit, talks of their lifesaving donor, “I wish so badly that I could hug this angel’s family and tell them what a miraculous gift has resulted from their tragic loss. This individual donor has done for Ryan what doctors could not. He has cured Ryan's diabetes.”

Currently 47% of Kentucky residents are registered donors.  In comparison, over 60% of residents in Ohio & Indiana are registered to save lives.  “Public attention and education about this mission is essential.  From presentations in schools and civic clubs, to statewide PR campaigns, the Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life helps patients in need of transplants, dollar-by-dollar,” says Snyder.

“The generosity of our county continues to amaze me.  At the Circuit Clerk’s office, we are honored to support Trust For Life.  We all know someone who has been touched by the Gift of Life.  We hope more Kentuckians will have a second chance.  We know more families will discuss this amazing, life-saving mission because the funds we raise here at the Circuit Clerk’s office.  Although it is the law that we ask for the dollar, we love it because of the impact each dollar makes in the community,” explains Melissa Cardwell, Butler Co. Circuit Court Clerk.

Everyone can register as a donor by going online www.donatelifeky.org.  If you would like to learn more about the Trust, or make a tax-deductible contribution, go to www.trustforlife.org or call 1-866-945-5433.