American Legion Auxiliary celebrates 100 years

The 100th anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) creates an opportunity to reflect on the past and showcase each Unit’s success and contributions.  It is also an occasion to celebrate the successes that the organization has worked to accomplish.

Emil Jacob Unit 117 of Manchester continues to contribute to the needs of veterans in this area and especially to the Veterans Hospital in Ann
Arbor. Members of the Unit deliver lap robes and participate in the Christmas workshop, where approximately $500 dollars is spent on gifts. The unit receives a list as to what is needed, and these gifts are then selected by Veterans to give to their families. The ladies wrap and tag the gifts for the Veterans.

Unit 117 also sponsors a Bingo night at the hospital, where the veterans can win coupons for the PX in the hospital. Money is sent to the hospital on a regular basis for the coffee fund at the hospital. The Unit also provides for homeless veterans, and support the Women veterans in their  needs.

The Unit also sponsors a local blood bank in May each year with the Red Cross.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be asking for donations on May 17 at various locations in Manchester. All proceeds from the poppy sales go to the veterans. Help honor and support our veterans by wearing a poppy this Memorial Day.

A celebration of 100 years is in the planning stages for later this summer.

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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.