LITCHFIELD – The Litchfield Post 181, American Legion, has had a wood raffle each year as a fundraiser. The event was started in 1982 when Eldon Harvey donated a cord of hardwood and it has continued each year since. The post has given the winner a choice of the wood or $150.

The winner this year was Keith Estabrook of Litchfield. He chose the $150 and went to Gowell’s Store and bought three $50 gift certificates to present to three families that could use assistance. That left the Legion Post 181 a cord of wood. Normally, a member would buy the wood with a donation to the post.

This year, using a suggestion from George Hussler, the members decided to give the wood to Gerald and Georgette Partridge of Litchfield. Gerald is a member of the post and is always willing to assist. His wife has cancer and has gone through chemotherapy.

Commander Ernest Rowe asked Gerald to help deliver the wood to a person in Litchfield on Sept. 11. He didn’t know the wood was going to his house. When Rowe asked, “Where do you want the wood?,” Gerald was jubilant.

Then Keith Estabrook appeared with the $50 gift certificate from Gowell’s. Gerald said, “I don’t believe it, this is the greatest day of my life.”