LOCKE MILLS – Although meetings have been less frequent in December and January, the Jackson-Silver Post, American Legion, Auxiliary has not been idle. Money donations were made to the Bethel Rotary for Christmas for Children, to the Maine Veterans Home for the Tree for Caring, to Special Olympics and for the post’s Christmas trees in memory or honor of veterans.

When the Lewiston Sun Journal published photos and addresses of servicemen and women, they were cut out and members wrote to them. Some were taken by State Auxiliary officers who visited the post and unit on Dec. 2 for the tree lighting.

The comfort items and phone cards the auxiliary collected were shipped, and member Kelly Bickford, who is serving in Iraq, wrote to say they arrived before Christmas and were appreciated.

The unit is still collecting items, and anyone who might wish to contribute may do so. Bickford’s husband was also called up for duty in early December and a recent note from her stated that they are together.

Some members were at the Western Maine Veterans Home Christmas Gift Shop in South Paris in December, helping residents there to select items from the numerous gifts contributed or purchased from donated funds.

They also purchased gifts for the 10 veterans at the Ledgeview Living Center, which were delivered a few days before the holiday. Those delivering them discovered that the residents were having a Christmas party that afternoon so joined Santa and Mrs. Claus. Gifts were also purchased for veterans from the immediate area who reside at the Veterans Home.

Other donations have been sent out recently, and some new members have been recruited.

Plans are under way for the annual Four Chaplains Service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Locke Mills Union Church, being coordinated by Post Chaplain Jerry Poulin with other members taking part. The service honors those men who sacrificed their lives during World War II to save others when their ship was sunk off the coast of Greenland on a cold February morning.

The annual oyster stew supper will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Legion Hall. There will be chicken pie for those who do not want stew. It is also time to select girls to attend Girls State in June. Those eligible will have completed their junior year in high school and have an interest in learning how the government functions at all levels.