Pine Island American Legion, Auxiliary Unit 136 donate $1,500 to the Pine Island Food Pantry
The Pine Island American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136 and Post 136 recently donated over $1,500 to the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Susan Bailey, Community Service chairperson of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136, said, “This is but one of several monetary donations we make each year to the pantry, in addition to over 1,400 pounds of food collected annually, often in conjunction with the VFW Post 4353. Each week on Tuesday and Saturday, the American Legion dedicates the proceeds from the first game of ‘Show Me The Money’ to the Food Pantry and the VFW does the same with the first ‘BANGO’ game on Thursday night.
“As residents, we want to help our fellow islanders who are food insecure, some of which are veterans and their families, and the Pine Island Food Pantry helps us do that.”
Officials at the Pine Island Food Panty said they are very grateful to the Pine Island American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136 and Post, as well as the VFW Auxiliary Unit and Post 4353 for their ongoing support and donations over the years.
Karen Durand, executive director of the Pine Island Food Pantry, said, “It is only with the support of businesses and other organizations on the island, such as these, that we can supply our clients in the greater Pine Island and Matlacha area with nutritious food throughout the year. This donation will help the Food Pantry prepare for the upcoming summer months, when donations typically drop off, but demand for our services does not.”
The American Legion was chartered immediately after World War I and is the world’s largest veteran’s organization. Post #136, located at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St James City invites the public to come in and say “hello.” Please visit the post’s website at www.post136fl.org to learn more, or call 239-283-2277. The VFW’s motto is “No One Does More for Veterans.”
The Pine Island Food Pantry is a 501c3 nonprofit which serves the Pine Island and greater Matlacha area with an all-volunteer staff. Its goal is to ensure “No one goes hungry” on the island. Visit the pantry’s website at pineislandfoodpantry.org to donate online or learn more.