GIVING BACK
American Legion Post 142 celebrated its members and their fundraising efforts at their annual Christmas Party held at Chevy’s Pizza.
The Dec. 14 party was attended by 34 members, spouses and friends. Post Commander Russell Curry presented a plaque to Scott Walston with Gray Memorial Chapel for his continuing support. Walston donates the rifle each year that is raffled as part of the post’s fundraising effort that centers around Jones County’s Veterans Appreciation Day each year.
Post members sell the raffle tickets and tickets to a barbecue chicken dinner that is held in coordination with Veterans Appreciation Day. The winning ticket for the rifle raffle is drawn as part of the Veterans Appreciation program.
“Thanks to Scott, by the time we start selling tickets, we are making money,” Curry said.
Post Secretary Ted Stone said the members sold every ticket they had this year and made $7,000 after expenses.
“We only do it once a year, and every penny goes back to the community,” he said.
Curry said the fundraising is a team effort, and he appreciates everyone who helps. He said they have made some progress with repairs in the building this year and now have a new flag and flagpole thanks to the Woodmen of the World.
The commander said the post has picked up new members this year. At a time when most civic organizations are having a difficult time keeping the members they have, Post 142 has grown to 53 members, including two female veterans.
Stone talked about the Legion’s first Veterans Dinner they hosted Sept.
29 at First Baptist Church. He said the free dinner was held to show appreciation to all Jones County veterans.
“We didn’t know if anyone would show up, but we fed 76 veterans. It turned out well,” he said.
Stone said the Legion helps people in the community with donations to local organizations, the Veterans home in Milledgeville and anyone who needs it.
Jones County American Legion Post is located at 314 Old Clinton Road.
The numbers to call for more information about the legion are 478-4744442, 478-973-6641 or 478-361-4579.
