The holidays are a perfect time to carry out the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings to our country, friends and families. That, in fact, is the mission statement of American Legion Post 245 in Poulsbo.
The post has helped with food and rent, disability claims, and assistance for veterans and spouses and spouses in need of home care, nursing homes or assisted living, widow’s benefits and burials. Linda Schwind, commander of Post 245, states there is a lot of need out there and 100% of the money raised is given back to the community. This year, the post has assisted the 25 veterans who reside in Martha and Mary Nursing Home by creating birthday gifts of clothing and other necessities. In addition, they were able to provide assistance to three families who suffered fire damage to their homes.
The post also offers scholarships to Boys State/Girls State which programs are run by the American Legion Auxiliary. This is a weeklong event that lets participants learn about state and local government. For more information go to www.alpost245poulsbowa.org.
Post 245 impacts veterans in our community – with Wreaths Across America (which just took place Dec. 14 with the assistance of the North Kitsap Leos, who placed flags and wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes), and the Veterans Memorial Plaza on Front Street (established in 2019).
American Legion Post 245 was chartered Dec. 7, 1998, and has celebrated more than 25 years of service to the community, veterans and families. Donations to this program and others supported by the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund may be made online at https://poulsbolions.blogspot.com (click on donate); via PayPal to poulsbolions@gmail.com, or mail a check to the Poulsbo Lions Bellringer, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370.
The Bellringer Fund so far has raised $4,000 in contributions and hopes to raise $25,000 to support the agencies that support everyone from at-risk children to veterans to the unhoused.
Donations made this past week include: Elda Armstrong in memory of family, Lena Olsen, Reese Leabo, Jan Seifert, Barbara Stark and Denis Tesch in memory of Jackie M. and Sandy H.
