Legion Auxiliary supports local youth

Pictured, front row, from left to right Maxine Dube, Merrilyn Vieira, Betty Dow and Kathy Cousineau. Back, Pat Santoni, Marie Wing, Lauraine Mercier, Harriet Bryant and Robin Turek, with her service dog, Colonel. Contributed photo

The American Legion Auxiliary supports community programs such as children and youth. Each year they fill backpacks for children entering the DHHS system. Most of these children enter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They like to provide them with the backpacks filled with items they can call their own in hopes that it makes the transition a little easier for them. This year was no different as they donated 25 backpacks for this program.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.