Last April, through a partnership with the Seward Senior Center, the American Legion was awarded a $4,500 discretionary grant to help pay for utilities, heat, and propane for May and June. The loss of summer tourism, combined with the mandated shutdown, had taken away the Legion’s ability to create the income needed to cover its basic needs. The grant funds allowed the Legion to keep minimal operation while being closed.
The American Legion Post 5 is an essential resource for Seward area veterans, military personnel, and their families. Before the pandemic began, the American Legion provided a free meal to its members six nights a week, along with a free community breakfast the third Sunday of each month. The pandemic may have caused the Legion some uncertainty initially, but thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, the Legion continued to serve our community’s veterans and military personnel throughout the pandemic. During the mandated shutdown, volunteers at the American Legion Post 5 delivered an average of 20 meals each night to its members and anyone in need. They also served 80 breakfasts last Easter.
The American Legion’s partnership with the Senior Center stems from its yearly donation to the Senior Center’s “Take a Vet to Lunch” program. The program provides a free daily meal to veterans and their spouses age 60 or older. During the pandemic, the Legion’s donation supported the Senior Center’s “Meals on Wheels” program, which delivered daily meals to veterans’ doorsteps.
It’s partnerships like these that make the Seward Community Foundation especially proud of our community and the unsung heroes within. Thank you to the American Legion Post 5 and to the Seward Senior Center for your continuous efforts to support and feed our community’s seniors and veterans during these trying times.
Grantee Highlight by Teal Hall, SCF Advisor