With the impasse now in its second month, the Legion Family is providing free dinners, food and supply drives, and financial fundraising
On Oct. 30, a message from American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley asked Legion Family members “to step in and do what you can to provide assistance for military families, servicemembers and others who are affected in your communities” during the government shutdown.
And the American Legion Family is doing just that. From the East Coast to Arizona, free dinners, food and supply drives, and financial fundraising are taking place, all part of an effort to assist military families, government workers and others impacted by the congressional stalemate now tied for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The following are just a few examples of how the Legion Family is answering Wiley’s call. Please share how your post, unit, squadron or chapter are assisting others during this critical time by emailing sbrooks@legion.org and then posting your effort on www.legiontown.org.
Arizona
In Sierra Vista, American Legion Post 52 provided a free spaghetti dinner for the public and has also opened a food pantry for those impacted by the shutdown. Those impacted by the shutdown can take home items from the pantry. The post is accepting donations from the community to stock the pantry.
Stop by and donate food items anytime at the American Legion Post 52 at 12 Theater Dr., Sierra Vista, Ariz. Doors open all day in the main hall Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. to drop off donations.
Colorado
In Estes Park, American Legion Post 119 is offering free meals to any employee impacted by the shutdown who could use some assistance. Dinner hours are Monday-Wednesday from 3-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The post is financing the effort but is accepting donations to assist the effort.
Florida
In Palm Bay, American Legion Post 117 will be providing free take-home meals to its members for those receiving SNAP benefits. The meals include baked ziti, and chicken and wild rice, and are prepared and frozen for members to take home and cook.
“We’re here for our community — no one should go hungry,” the post wrote on Facebook.
Maryland
Starting on Nov. 1, American Legion Post 82 in La Plata began its weekly Shutdown Food Relief Drive for furloughed and unpaid federal employees and their families. The post is accepting non-perishable food and monetary donations to assist those impacted by the shutdown. The post is asking for non-perishable food items, shelf-stable baby necessities, personal hygiene items, paper goods and cleaning supplies.
The post also is providing collection bins for other businesses and community entities wishing to assist the effort.
“Together, we can help keep food on the tables of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” the post wrote on its Facebook page.
Michigan
· In Bath, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 412 staged a food drive from Oct. 28-Nov. 2 to assist local residents. The unit asked for non-perishable food items, personal care provides and pet food. The results: the collection of 1,290 items valued at nearly $5,000. “Our community came together in kindness and compassion to make sure no neighbor goes without. Bath truly feeds hope!” Unit 412 posted on Facebook.
· Sault Ste. Marie, American Legion Post 3 is staging a collection drive for gift cards, non-perishable food, personal items and baby supplies to distribute to local Coast Guard members. The post did something similar for Coast Guardsmen during the past government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019. "The Legion's whole motto is 'We take care of veterans, we take care of active duty and we take care of community'," Past Post 3 Commander Bruce Osborn said. "There are a lot of families here. Their children go to school with our children and grandchildren. They play on the playgrounds together. They shop in our stores, so we need to support them."
· In Wyoming, American Legion Post 154 is collecting non-perishable, non-expired food items on Nov. 29. The post is asking that any families in need of food assistance to email events154@americanlegionwyomingmi.org.
Missouri
In Fredericktown, American Legion Post 248 has started a food drive and fundraising effort for the Madison County Food Bank in the wake of the shutdown. The post is collecting shelf-stable foods and monetary donations for the food bank and for local organizations that are offering free hot meals. The post also is offering to provide meals to those facing food insecurity.
Those who donate will be entered into a drawing; there will be three drawings throughout November.
West Virginia
In Shinnston, American Legion Post 31 hosted a free lunch and dinner on Nov. 2 for anyone impacted by the shutdown. The meal was prepared by Legion Family members and included soup, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. The post also provided food items to take home, as well as comfort items.
“This might be to only warm meal they’ve had in maybe a week or so, and if this warms their bellies today then I think that’s just wonderful thing we can do for them,” American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31 President Marsha Duckworth said. “If anybody needs anything, they just have to reach out to us.”
Post 31 First Vice Commander Cliff Shingleton also spoke about how important events like the meals during the shutdown. “With all the benefits being cut off, and we know that people are having food insecurities, this supports the pillars of the American Legion and it’s something that we can do to help our community,” he said. “And we’ve got a family here that loves to serve people and help. So, it’s our pride to open our doors and let folks come in and enjoy our food and hospitality and have a warm place to get into for a little bit if they need it.
“We just put the word out to our folks that there are people in need, and this is what you get: You get a whole spread of food, you get food to take home, you get a pile of blankets. Folks here love to help and when we find an opportunity we jump in and do it.”
- Community