Madison’s Post 39 Auxiliary donates backpacks for children entering state care

MADISON — Members of the American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39 Auxiliary recently donated 25 backpacks filled with items for children entering the Department of Health and Human Services system.

“Most of these children enter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. We like to provide them with the backpacks filled with items they can call their own in hopes that it makes the transition a little easier for them,” organizes said in a news release.

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, said the release.

Fore more information, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or www.mainelegionpost39.org, or contact Robin Turek, president of the Post 39 Auxiliary, at robinturek@gmail.com or 696-8289.

PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39 Auxiliary, which recently donated backpacks to help children going into state care transition, include, back row from left, Pat Santoni, Marie Wing, Lauraine Mercier, Harriet Bryant and Robin Turek, and her service dog, Colonel; front row, Maxine Dube, Merrilyn Vieira, Betty Dow and Kathy Cousineau.