American Legion in Albion gives Toys for Tots, Veterans’ Van Service
Group also gives to Boots on the Group which sends care packages to vets
ALBION – Christmas came early to several veterans’ groups in Albion on Friday, with the donation of checks from the Sheret American Legion Post 35, Sheret Post Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
The first presentation was checks for $500 each from the Post and Auxiliary to the Veterans’ Van Service. Dave Kusmierczak of Medina, president of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council, which runs the van service, accepted the check toward purchase of a new van.
“We have two vans that need replacing, and this donation is much appreciated,” Kusmierczak said.
In presenting the check, Post Commander Brad Rouse said, “The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council has a great service they provide to our veterans throughout Orleans County by providing transportation to and from medical appointments to Buffalo, Rochester and Canandaigua.”
Next was a check for $500 from the Post to the Auxiliary to support their project of sending care packages to veterans serving overseas.
“The American Legion Sheret Post 35 is proud to partner with the Auxiliary in support of their two-year commitment to sending care packages to our troops with Boots on the Ground,” Rouse said. “These troops are still in small numbers in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.”
This is the second year the Auxiliary has sent care packages to Boots on the Ground, but the first year the Post has assisted them.
“Under my leadership as commander, I am committed to unifying all groups in our post,” Rouse said. “We have become stronger as a group and I commit to continuing to strengthen our relationship and the support one another.”
A third donation came from the Auxiliary to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots.
Auxiliary president Pam Taylor gave a check for $100 to Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271.
“Upholding the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, ‘For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism good citizenship, peace and security,’” Taylor said. “The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to present this check for $100 as a donation for a great cause.”
The final donation was a check for $150, which Rouse presented on behalf of the Post to Ray Madigan, treasurer of the Marine Corps League Detachment, for Toys for Tots. An additional $25 was acknowledged from Joe Gehl of Albion.
The Marines stated the donations will be held and used for Christmas gifts for children of Marines next year.
The Post and Auxiliary said they are constantly trying to raise money through raffles and drawings to support causes such as these in the community. The Auxiliary also holds an annual golf tournament, which although small, Taylor said helps fund their causes.