Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39 — Tardiff-Belanger of Madison recently donated time to fill 20 backpacks as part of the Children and Youth Month observance by the American Legion Auxiliary.

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Maine chose to fill a truck with backpacks to observe Children and Youth Month. The backpacks are filled with goodies for children entering the Department of Health & Human Services’ system. Most children entering the system do so without personal belongings. These backpacks are a way of giving them something of their own to help with the transition.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39 from Madison recently filled 20 backpacks as part of the Children and Youth Month observance by the American Legion Auxiliary. In front, from left, are Nancy Misiaszek, Kathleen Randall, Sandy Ingalls, Maxine Dube, Merrilyn Vieira and Betty Dow. In back, from left, are Cindy Badger, Pat Santoni, Robin Turek, Lynn Boucher, Sharon Mellows, Tena Ireland and Harriet Bryant. Contributed photo

Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of the nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.

For more information about the auxiliary, visit www.mainelegionpost39.org, or contact Robin Turek, president, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39 — Tardiff-Belanger of Madison, at robinturek@gmail.com or 696-8289.

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