American Legion Post 24 news and notes
BY RAY VAN COR
The Greenville Standard
Dec. 5, the American Legion held its annual meeting and Holiday supper.
After an incredible meal provided by Retired U.S, Marine Master Sergeant Richard Lewis, guest speakers Michele Sousa and Rena Davis of the Toys for Tots program for Lowndes and Butler Counties spoke to the group of veterans about volunteering to help bring the joy of Christmas to needy children of the counties.
The Toys for Tots group will be utilizing the American Legion Post 24 on Dec. 18 to distribute toys starting at 12 noon. Any additional donations can be dropped off at 11 a.m.
The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 as a local initiative in Los Angeles, Calif., and has since grown into a national program.
In 1947, Major Bill Hendricks of the Marine Corps Reserve was inspired to start the program after his wife, Diane, asked him to deliver some handcrafted dolls to an agency that helps children in need.
When he couldn’t find an organization, he and the Marines in his reserve unit collected and distributed 5,000 toys.
The United States Marine Corps adopted the program in 1948 and expanded it nationwide.
The 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Clifton B. Gates, directed all Marine Reserve sites to implement a Toys for Tots campaign.
Major celebrities began to endorse the program. In 1949, Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster, which featured a three-car train that became the program’s logo.
Toys for Tots Coordinator Michele Sousa said, “We need volunteers, local business support and we’re asking for donations, items like baked goods, candy canes, raffle items to raise money, new toys, gas cards, gift cards, large trash bags, white paper, gift certificates and so on. We would love to have another wonderful year again.”
Sousa is the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and can be reached at 334-218-4107 or 530-209-1417 or at [email protected]
Post 24 Commander Lee Tanner said, “We here at the post had a great year with all that we accomplished, and we still want to invite all Butler County veterans to join us. Come and break bread and share in the comradery. We have some incredible events coming up for next year and would like to have all our veterans to be a part of those. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at 100 American Legion Lane in Greenville next to the fairgrounds and all are welcome.”
