AUBURN — On Dec. 19, the William J. Rogers Post 153 held its regular monthly meeting which ended in celebration. At the conclusion of the legion meeting Brenda Longtin, first vice of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit No. 153, William J. Rogers Post, presented a check for $1000 to Dave Richardson, post commander.

Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.

While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion.

The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, with nearly 10,500 units in every state and some foreign countries.

“In spite of economic times and a fiscal cliff scare, the Auxiliary unit 153 was successful in their fundraising activities in 2012 and was also able to donate to other area veteran programs,” said Paul R. Bernard, public relations officer. “They presented a $500 donation to the South Paris Veterans Home gift shop for Christmas. Also, a $500 donation was presented to the VA Togus gift shop for Christmas, and another $500 donation to the Beal’s House in Togus, which serves up to four families of veterans who are patients at one time.”

Women qualify for membership if a relative served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates and is a current member of The American Legion or if the qualifying veteran is deceased, even if the qualifying veteran was not a member of The American Legion when living. Women interested in joining may contact Brenda at 782-1118, email www.legionpost153.org or send mail to New Auburn American Legion, William Rogers Post 153, 71 South Main St., Auburn, ME 04210.