The American Legion Post 184, of Wildwood, answered a call for help from its neighbors last week by donating $1,200 in non-perishable food items to the United Way food pantry, 230 East Maple Avenue, Wildwood.”We love to give out money where it’s really needed,” Vice Commander, Norm Marlin said.
And according to United Way Executive Director Suzanne Nardi, the donation came just in time. In fact, much of the food collected by different organizations over the holidays had already been distributed, and the pantry was running low. Many local residents find that during the winter months, the high cost of rent and heating bills leaves little money for food and other necessities. They count on the United Way to help them through those difficult times.
“But our cupboards were getting very bare,” Nardi said, and a request was sent out to local newspapers looking for individuals or civic, religious and business organizations, that would be willing to help. The American Legion came to the rescue.
“Our post commander, Harry Tweed, saw in the paper that the shelves were bare and he wanted to do something,” Marlin said. The American Legion is dedicated to being involved in the community through charitable donations and events all year long.
The Wildwood Post, which boasts 417 members, first began making charitable donations in January 2000, and since then they have given more than $350,000 back to the community, Marlin said, including a donation last month of $5,700 to Wildwood’s Fire Department for equipment. In addition, a few brave members of Post 184 took the Polar Plunge in January and raised $3800 for Special Olympics New Jersey.
“We count on our neighbors like the American Legion to help us help others,” Nardi said. “They are part of what makes our community such a nice place to live.”
For more information on how you can help, call 729-2002.