Picnic, Anyone? - The American Legion Auxiliary Summer Raffle

With a summer music and street festival just days away, you may be thinking it's a perfect opportunity to plan a family picnic and enjoy all that Manchester has to offer during the Summerfest.

But in case your picnic basket needs a boost, here's a just-in-time opportunity to augment your supplies. The Manchester American Legion Auxiliary Unit #117 is holding a "Fill A Cooler" raffle that will help to revitalize your family's summer fun provision list. Cost of the tickets is $2 each or five for $5.

Some of the items that are filling this large 48 gallon cooler include: a classic red-checkered table cloth, napkins, cups, pop and water, paper plates, hot dog forks, condiments, tableware, marshmallows, ice pack, two folding chairs, and gift cards to Meijer, Lowe's and KFC. There are also two smaller coolers to accompany the picnic supplies.

Tickets are currently available from any Auxiliary member through Saturday afternoon and the coolers and contents (which may, by that time, be filled with even more goodies) can be viewed throughout the day on Saturday at the Auxiliary's booth in the Farmers Market area on Adrian Street. The raffle drawing will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday.

A small sample of the items that will be part of the Summer Raffle sponsored by the Manchester American Legion Auxiliary.

The American Legion Auxiliary mission is to support the American Legion and its programs for veterans, young people, and the community. During the past year, the Manchester Auxiliary supported veterans, active service personnel, and families with several projects. The unit donated over $500 in goods to the VA Hospital's Christmas Gift Shop, where veterans pick out gifts for their families at no cost, and another $500 for comfort items and socks for veterans themselves.

Other donations include contributions to the VA coffee fund and hosting a Bingo party at the VA hospital. Last winter, more than 75 coats, sweatshirts, and sweaters were collected from Auxiliary members and the Manchester community to donate to the homeless veterans program at the VA Hospital. The Auxiliary also sent Christmas cards containing money to more than 20 active service personnel from the Manchester area.

Support for Manchester schools included donations of gloves, mittens, and hats, as well as a cash donation to the high school's after-prom event. Many local charities received cash donations and/or paper supplies.

With proceeds from the Summer Raffle, the Auxiliary can continue to support these many programs. To contact the Manchester American Legion Auxiliary, send an email to ManchesteralaUnit117@gmail.com or like them on Facebook.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.