Letter to the Editor
Published 9:16 am Friday, September 7, 2007
By Staff
Legion thanks community for support
The barbeque fundraiser that was held on Friday at the American Legion was very successful and we have all of you to thank for that. Many of you helped us prepare for this and helped in many ways. Some of you are not even members. We call you "Friends of the American Legion". We have many of these 'friends' who, for some reason may not be able to join the organization, but want to help.
We want, need and appreciate these individuals and their organizations to show their support on a continuing basis.
Organizations like the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary must have fundraisers to be able to do the programs that we conduct and support throughout the year. Without them, we would have little or no income.
The proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to promote community service activities as well as to promote welfare of children and youth.
We do have another major fundraiser coming up in November. Most of you are familiar with the Poppy campaign. This will be held the week of Veteran's Day in November. The funds raised from this effort will be used ONLY for Veterans. We send a portion of these proceeds back to the state and national organizations to support injured and disabled veterans. The majority of what is collected in that fundraiser is to be spent locally. We make regular visits to W.F. Green Veteran's Home in Bay Minette to visit with and entertain those who have served the country. We now serve them. Much of this is spent in the town of Atmore. One example is "Breakfast with Santa." This is for children of active duty service persons who will be separated from their families during Christmas.
Remember, when you see the poppy, they are not being sold. They are a "thank you" from the disabled veteran who made it, for helping to support him in healthcare. Sometimes these funds are used to help their families survive while they are being treated. It is very worthy.
These are the two major fundraisers that you will see us engaged in this year. Others will be minor in comparison and may be done to help support and train our Junior members and give to special programs to aid children.
Thank you so much for you support of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!
Mary Stanley
Ladies Auxiliary President
Atmore American Legion