The holiday season is an extra special time of giving from the American Legion Family.
The month of December is a time that American Legion Family members go above and beyond with gift-giving to lift the spirits of deployed troops, veterans and children.
The following are a few ways American Legion Family members across the country are delivering Christmas joy this season.
American Legion Post 991 Legion Family in Worth, Ill., will host Navy recruits from Great Lakes Naval Training Station on Christmas Day for a meal. For the fifth consecutive year, Post 991 picks up about 30 recruits each year by bus and brings them back to the post where they can use telephones and computers to contact family and friends. The recruits can watch TV, play video games and get a chair massage from a licensed therapist.
“These young individuals have been away from home for weeks, often for the first time in their lives,” said Glenn Kraemer, of Squadron 991. “Our volunteers, including a police escort, the local fire district and dozens of citizens, all honor these young patriots for the path of service they are just beginning.”
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 690 in Palatine, Ill., is hosting a fundraising breakfast with Santa for the public. All donations from the day will benefit American Legion Charities.
American Legion Post 145 in Avon, Ind., is hosting its sixth annual Indiana Blue Star Spirit of Christmas event for Indiana military families who are in need. The children receive almost everything on their wish list plus clothing and shoes; and the parents are also recipients of gifts. Santa arrives in a Huey to distribute the gifts and visit with the children.
American Legion Post 90 in Bethesda, Md., is hosting its second annual Christmas Toy Drive that will benefit disadvantaged students of Union Local Elementary School in Belmont. The post is collecting toys, clothing and monetary donations. About 20 children were provided gifts last year and the post hopes to help even more this year.
American Legion Post 52 in La Crosse, Wis., is hanging the names of about 40 local veterans, including homeless veterans, on a “Buddy Tree” at the post. Anyone can pick a name off the tree and purchase a gift for them.
“The veterans that don’t have immediate family, they may feel left out, and that’s where the buddy caring system comes into effect. Checking on your buddy or your fellow veteran,” Post 52 Commander Josh Navrestad said.
As your American Legion Family celebrates Christmas and the holidays with troops, veterans and their families, and children in the community, please share your story on the Legion’s website www.legiontown.org.
- Dispatch